Sean McVay: The defense is peaking at the right time

The Rams had plenty of fans from Los Angeles travel to Arizona for Monday night’s game against the Vikings, and they also had one familiar face from past playoffs.

Aaron Donald checked in with his former teammates in their first playoff game since his retirement and wide receiver Jared Verse said after the game that the defense {“tried to show him that he left in good hands.” It was a successful mission.

The Rams tied a playoff record with nine sacks of Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold in a 27-9 win, and Verse returned one of those 57 yards for a touchdown. The entire effort outplayed Minnesota’s offense, and Rams head coach Sean McVay said after the game that it was a sign the team was playing its best defense at the most important time of the season.

“I think we are great plan in a hurry and I think ultimately it’s about the players bringing it to life, having a real understanding of what we’re trying to do, what the intent was,” McVay said. “They’ve been playing some really great football lately. They peak at the right time. They’re showing none of the youth you’d think playing your 18th game of the season. I am proud of them. They came through in a big way and were instrumental in us moving forward.”

The divisional round will present a different test as the Rams will have to slow down the Eagles’ running game centered around Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts. They failed to do so in Week 12 as Barkley racked up 255 of Philly’s 314 yards in a 37-20 victory, and any good feelings from Monday night will be a distant memory if he goes wild again.