Total Domination! Rams crush Cardinals 34-11 in first ever Monday Night Playoff Game

 Photos and Story from the Official Rams Website:

Led by balanced offensive production and complementary performances from their defense and special teams, the Rams defeated the Cardinals 34-11 Monday night at SoFi Stadium in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

With the victory, the No. 4-seed Rams advanced to face the No. 2-seed Buccaneers in Tampa Bay in the divisional round on Sunday at 12 p.m. pacific time (NBC, Peacock, Universo).

Quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 13 of 17 pass attempts for 202 yards and two touchdowns – connecting with Odell Beckham Jr. (four receptions, 54 yards) and Cooper Kupp (five receptions, 61 yards) on those scores – and also rushed six times for 22 yards and a touchdown. Led by running backs Sony Michel and Cam Akers, the Rams rushed for 140 yards overall, ultimately outgaining the Cardinals 375-182 in total yards of offense. Akers finished with 17 carries for 55 yards, Michel 13 carries for 58 yards.

HOW, @obj?!

📺 @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/QPH1xWx0sH

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 18, 2022

Meanwhile, the Rams' defense held the Cardinals to 0-for-9 on third down and picked off quarterback Kyler Murray twice, with cornerback David Long Jr. accounting for one of those picks and returning it for a touchdown. On special teams, all five of punter Johnny Hekker's punts landed inside the 20, while kicker Matt Gay made both of his field goal attempts and all four of his extra point attempts.

PLAYMAKERS.

📺 @ESPNNFL | @troyreeder9 x @davidlongjr pic.twitter.com/mndV6a1k3W

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 18, 2022< /a>

BIG MAN INT!

📺 @ESPNNFL | @Marquisecope_44pic.twitter.com/3aG6s01D13

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 18, 2022

.@obj completes a 40-yard pass to @thereal_cam3!! No, that is not a typo.

📺 @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/feS9pX9U2y

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 18, 2022

Quarterback Matthew Stafford earned his first ever playoff win of his 12 year career. After the game he told the press: 

 “I’m just excited for our team to get the win,” he said. “Obviously, what a team effort. Our defense played outstanding tonight, special teams basically set up a score with Johnny pinning them down there, did a great job on field goals, and we were good enough on offense to score some points and come away with the win. Just happy to be moving on.”

 He continued by saying he believes the media and fans care more about his playoff record than he does himself. Stafford just wants to win games and help the Rams succeed in the postseason, doing the best he can to take them deep in the playoffs. 

 “I think it means a lot more to you guys and all that,” he said. “I just want to be part of this team and help us win. I trust in myself, trust in my abilities, trust in my teammates. Go out there and play and let the chips fall where they may.” - From The Rams Wire

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