The Los Angeles Rams paid tribute to town’s firefighters and first responders as they beat the Minnesota Vikings to clinch the final spot in week two of the NFL play-offs.
The Rams earned residence benefit for the ultimate sport of Wildcard Weekend however Monday’s sport needed to be relocated to State Farm Stadium, residence of the Arizona Cardinals, due to wildfires round LA which have killed at the very least 24 individuals.
But it nonetheless felt like a house sport because the Rams romped to a 27-9 win in opposition to a Vikings staff that didn’t get well after being denied the primary seed within the NFC Convention final week.
The Rams offered greater than 52,000 tickets for the 63,000-capacity venue in Phoenix, which is a six-hour, 375-mile drive from SoFi Stadium.
A Rams contingent of greater than 400 – together with gamers, household, coaches, employees and even pets – travelled on Friday and the staff had use of the Cardinals’ coaching facility.
Having secured the NFC West title, the Rams have been capable of relaxation their key starters on the ultimate day of the common season whereas the Vikings suffered a demoralising loss on the Detroit Lions.
And it confirmed because the Rams charged right into a 24-3 lead by half-time, with Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold being sacked six occasions and giving up two turnovers.
“We knew what we have been taking part in for,” stated Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. “That was for the individuals of Los Angeles who’re struggling proper now.
“We’re dwelling it every single day. It was a troublesome week for us, a bunch of shifting elements. It has been a whirlwind, however to come back out right here and play like we did, in all phases, I am actually pleased with this group.”