The Los Angeles Rams started their playoff run was a bang on Monday Night in Arizona. The Rams were no match for the Minnesota Vikings. The Rams defeated the Vi

Rams young and ascending defense feels as if it has come of age since the Philadelphia Eagles literally ran over Los Angeles in November at SoFi Stadium.

This ESPN football analyst defends Sam Darnold after Vikings lost to Rams in wild-card game.

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner (91) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

The defense, sans Donald, has gone from perhaps the Rams' Achilles heel to a group that impressed in their 27-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.

Los Angeles has replenished the holes left behind by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, and done so while saving a pretty penny.

The first, of course, is that the Eagles (14-3) already beat the Rams (10-7) back on Nov. 24, 37-20, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. In that game, Saquon Barkley rushed for 255 yards, a career-high and franchise record. That included TD runs of 70 and 72 yards.

Playoff rivals from a bygone era will be in adjustment mode when the Los Angeles Rams take on the Minnesota Vikings ... Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald, a young Rams defensive line ...

On Monday night, the Rams provided a welcomed, albeit temporary escape for their fans who are dealing with the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Led by a dominant defensive effort, the Rams took a 24-3 halftime lead en route to a 27-9 win over the Vikings in the NFC wild-card round.