Amidst the disastrous wildfires raging in their city, the Los Angeles Rams still defeated the Minnesota Vikings last Monday to advance to the second round of the NFL play-offs. The NFC wildcard game that the Rams were supposed to host was instead moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale. There, the Rams paid homage to first responders who fought to get the fires under control.
The colours and logos of the Rams adorned the State Farm Stadium. The Rams hired a convoy of buses to bring fans from Los Angeles, with people visiting SoFi Stadium before dawn to begin the six-hour trip.
Fans waved flags and signs thanking the firefighters, while Rachel Platten performed “Fight Song” in a pre-game ceremony.
Up to 24 people have died and thousands rendered homeless. Last Monday, over 90,000 people were displaced as authorities geared up for another round of intense winds in Los Angeles.
When the match started the NFC West Champion Rams were locked in, delivering a symbolic performance against a Vikings club that won a spectacular 14 regular-season matches.
“We knew what we were playing for today,” said Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who completed 19 of 27 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
“It’s a tough time to be back (in Los Angeles). We’re just happy that we came out and played like this tonight to get something to be happy about.”
Los Angeles’ defense was astonishing. They sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold a play-off record of nine times and returned one ensuing fumble for a touchdown.
