NFL moves Rams-Vikings game to Arizona because of | College News
Coach Sean McVay mentioned Thursday afternoon that his Rams have been making ready for his or her NFC wild-card game in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings as if it might be performed as scheduled at SoFi Stadium.
He additionally mentioned the staff can be prepared to regulate if the NFL determined to transfer the game to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., because of health issues attributable to wildfires in Southern California.
A couple of hours after the Rams accomplished observe, the NFL introduced that “in the interest of public safety” the game can be performed in Arizona.
Tickets for the game will go on sale at 10 a.m. PST Friday morning via Seatgeek.com for Rams season ticket members and at midday to the overall public.
“The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs and the NFLPA,” the league mentioned.
About three hours earlier, McVay had indicated that the Rams’ hearts have been with these affected by the wildfires which have ravaged Southern California.
“This is bigger than the game of football,” McVay informed reporters during a information convention in Woodland Hills earlier than observe, including, “It gives you perspective.”
Quarterback Matthew Stafford mentioned that the Vikings have been receiving the Rams’ full consideration whereas the Rams have been on the staff’s facility in Woodland Hills.
“But we’re also human beings,” Stafford informed reporters, “and feel for the people of our community.”
The Rams had wished the benefit of enjoying earlier than home followers at SoFi Stadium, the place they received Super Bowl LVI to cap the 2021 season; however even earlier than the NFL resolution was made, McVay famous the bigger problem.
“The most important thing is, let’s hopefully get this situation that’s bigger than football under control as quickly as possible so that it gives us the best opportunity to be in L.A.,” he mentioned. “If it’s not in L.A., then the game will still be played and we’ve got to be able to get ready.”
McVay and the Rams navigated a comparable state of affairs in November 2018.
Rams coach Sean McVay has been attempting to keep the give attention to their wild-card game in opposition to the Vikings whereas understanding the consequences of the fires in Southern California.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
In the aftermath of a mass taking pictures in Thousand Oaks, and with wildfires raging in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the Rams canceled observe whereas making ready for his or her game in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks. In that occasion, many Rams gamers, coaches and help workers evacuated their houses.
A couple of days later, after the Rams defeated the Seahawks earlier than an emotional crowd of more than 70,000 on the Los Angeles Coliseum, McVay and his gamers spoke of their want to raise spirits.
Or, as former star lineman Aaron Donald mentioned on the time: “Give people something to smile about.”
McVay reiterated that theme Thursday.
“What sports represents is an opportunity for people to come together and provide a temporary sense of relief from some of the things that they’re going through,” he mentioned. “And I am excited about the opportunity for our team to go compete, and people can be proud to have a team that represents a lot of things that are right about sports.”
McVay mentioned earlier than observe that some Rams workers have been straight affected this week by the fires however no gamers or coaches. However, after the exercise, the Rams canceled media entry to the locker room in order that gamers probably affected by the Kenneth fire that broke out Thursday afternoon close to Woodland Hills might go away, a staff official mentioned.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell’s workers contains many former Rams workers members and gamers, together with O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, each of whom communicated with McVay this week after seeing devastating video concerning the fires.
“More just friends checking up,” McVay mentioned, “not necessarily worried about ‘how does that affect our game?’”
On Oct. 24, the Rams defeated the Vikings 30-20 in a Thursday evening game at SoFi Stadium. Stafford handed for 4 touchdowns in a victory that was key within the Rams’ turnaround from a 1-4 begin.
Stafford, working back Kyren Williams, receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua and offensive linemen Alaric Jackson and Kevin Dotson have been held out of Sunday’s season finale in opposition to the Seahawks in order that they might be rested and unhurt for the wild-card game and a playoff run.
“I feel pretty good,” Stafford mentioned, “and rested and ready to go.”
Stafford, 36, is in his sixteenth NFL season.
During the primary 12 with the Detroit Lions, Stafford obtained three alternatives to take part within the playoffs and didn’t win a game.
Now he’s making his third playoff look in 4 seasons with the Rams, a resume that features a Super Bowl title to cap the 2021 season.
“I cherish those opportunities because I know how tough they are to get,” Stafford mentioned. “Each season has its own story on how you get there, some are a little more smooth sailing than others.
“Obviously, this one was a tough start, and the way we battled back as a team and as a group is something I’m really proud of, and obviously put ourselves in position to be where we want to be.
“You’ve got to just take every opportunity in this league and run with it.”
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