Rams Preached Resiliency, Embodied Its Definition Against Vikings

The Rams did not allow excuses to infect their preparation leading to a defining win for the storied franchise
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay,  quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) watch from the sidelines against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) watch from the sidelines against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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The Rams have overcome one of the most unique circumstances to ever exist in professional football. Since the merger, no team in the NFL has ever had to move a playoff game to a neutral site location. No team has ever had to encounter a scenario where over half of their stadium is filled with away fans for a home playoff game. That was the premise for the Rams before they played Minnesota.

While the team as a whole was unharmed by the Los Angeles wildfires, the realities and danger of such a tragedy struck home for many members of the franchise.

Sean McVay's wife and child were forced to evacuate their home, Cooper Kupp, his wife, and their three children, all under the age of ten were forced to travel north from their home and Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly had to be brave while their four daughters, all under the age of eight, were hospitalized. As of the last report, all four children are safe and sound and were able to attend their father's playoff game. These are the stories the public knows about.

Yet, despite constant inquiries from reporters, the team as a unit gave no excuse, no concern, no issue with the game being moved to Arizona and when the Rams took the field, it was clear that operations were business as usual.

Whatever was discussed behind closed doors brought out a desire so prevalent, that it revealed itself in every play. The Rams played with an edge, unseen throughout the 2024 season. This was playoff football and this was the Rams' canvass to paint the story of their season.

What they painted was a beautiful display of team football, where the offense fed off of the defense and vice versa while the special teams unit, often unsung heroes, simply did their job and they did it well.

So when the Rams finally make their way home, they do so in triumph. While the Super Bowl remains the ultimate goal, they delivered a championship performance for a city in need of a winner.

For all those Rams fans who traveled with the team, they are forever a part of a shared history with the franchise as both fan and franchise exemplified what it means to be a Ram.

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Brock Vierra
BROCK VIERRA

Brock Vierra, a UNLV graduate, is the Los Angeles Rams Beat Writer On Sports Illustrated. He also works as a college football reporter for our On Sports Illustrated team.