Relief.. that’s been the buzzword around Los Angeles County as people are recovering, others are helping, and Angelonons as a whole are coming together to support one another during the fire crisis. The Los Angeles Rams provided another spark, another highlight during the current lowlights, as they won their wildcard playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.
It was a dominating performance for both the offense and the defense. The final score was 27-9, with Minnesota scoring their only touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Matthew Stafford went for 19-27 for 209 yards and two touchdowns, and Kyren Williams contributed over 90 yards with key first-down converting runs throughout the game.
“It was awesome. It was an unbelievable show of support that we got from the fans. Can’t say enough about that. Can’t say enough about our organization and how well they treated us and our families this week in a tough week, pulled some stuff together to make sure we could all stay together and still get our work done,” Stafford said during his post-game interview. “It’s been a difficult week. Just proud of this group and happy that we could come and play the way we did (Monday), give the people back home something to cheer about for a little bit.”
The defense didn’t let Sam Darnold or coach Kevin O’Connell breathe all night as they held Darnold to 25-40 for one touchdown and interception. They also caused Darnold to fumble, returned for a touchdown by rookie linebacker Jared Verse. “I was going to dunk on the field goal post, but I was too tired,” Verse said, laughing. The fumble was caused by Cornerback Akhello Witherspoon.
“Man, I’m proud of our team. With everything that’s going on in our community and what these guys have gone through, I thought they epitomized and represented the city. You talk about sports offering a platform for people to come together, offering a little bit of temporary relief. I thought the way our team competed (Monday) night was what it looked like,” Coach Sean McVay said during his post-game interview. ” To stay connected, stay together, just fight, the spirit, the resilience. They had a look in their eye, they had a focus. The right kind of urgency and enjoyment that we always try to strike that perfect balance. I think you could feel it. You could feel it in warmups. There was just an aura. … Once we got here, I think that offered a chance to exhale.”
The Rams are now preparing to face a hot Eagles team next week, but with their minds back focused on football, it should be an intense battle throughout four quarters.
