Vikings vs. Rams: Who Really Owns Glendale Tonight?

Welcome to the Rams Pregame Show
Welcome to the Rams pregame show, proudly delivered by Little Caesars, the official pizza of the LA Rams. I’m JB Long, alongside DeMarco Farr and Maurice Jones-Drew, here in Glendale, Arizona – Sofi Stadium East, the new Rams house. We’re set for this wild card game between the Vikings and the Rams, with the winner advancing to face the Philadelphia Eagles.

A Moment of Sympathy and Gratitude

We begin by extending our heartfelt sympathies to those who have experienced loss this past week. We express our deepest gratitude to those supporting victims, whether at home, as first responders, or firefighters. Your efforts to protect us and our beloved city are immensely appreciated.

Transforming Glendale into Sofi Stadium East
Tonight’s game in Glendale is a remarkable transformation by the Rams organization to make it feel like a home game. Despite being the home of the Arizona Cardinals, the Rams aim to win this wild card contest against the Vikings. DeMarco and MJD, what are your thoughts as we kick off?

Insights from DeMarco Farr and Maurice Jones-Drew
DeMarco: It’s surreal being here. It feels like a college bowl game at a neutral site. But it doesn’t matter where you kick off; what matters is being the best team on game day. Hopefully, the Rams are ready for the challenge.
MJD: I agree. The natural grass surface might be a challenge for the Rams, who are used to playing on turf. Shoutout to the Arizona Cardinals for hosting us and the Rams organization for their efforts to make this possible. Now, it’s up to the players to perform.

Rams’ Commitment to Community Recovery
The Rams and the Ki family are at the forefront of recovery efforts after the recent community crisis. On Friday, they announced a million-dollar donation to the LAFD Foundation and the American Red Cross. Today, Rams players, coaches, and staff will wear custom LAFD hats and shirts. Game-worn jerseys and game-used footballs will be auctioned to support the Red Cross.

Built for Challenges: The Rams’ Resilience
As we approach kickoff, let’s delve into the matchup. Sean McVay has said his franchise is built for challenges like these. The Rams have shown resilience through various adversities, including traveling to Europe and adjusting to different time zones. This team is ready for anything.

Veteran Advantage: Matthew Stafford vs. Sam Darnold
The Rams have a major advantage tonight with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has playoff experience. In contrast, the Vikings’ Sam Darnold is making his NFL playoff debut. The Rams will look to pressure him, force him to make errors, and capitalize on their opportunities.

Rams’ Defense vs. Justin Jefferson
The Rams’ defense, led by Omar Spates, is healthier than ever but will have to contend with the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson. Postseason games are where all-pro players shine, and Spates and company will need to step up to neutralize Jefferson and disrupt Darnold’s rhythm.

Strategic Matchups: Tight Ends and Offensive Lines
Both teams are expected to use multiple tight end sets, challenging the defensive coordinators. The return of John Johnson gives the Rams an edge in defending against the Vikings’ tight ends. The Rams’ offensive line will be crucial in countering the Vikings’ aggressive blitz packages.

Excitement Ahead
It’s set to be an exciting game, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.