The LA Rams defeated the Dallas Cowboys 30-22 in a Conference Final on Saturday and will play in the NFC Championship Final for the first time since 2002. Todd Gurley and C.J. Anderson powered the home team to victory after combining for 238 yards and three touchdowns in a sold-out LA Coliseum. Cowboys suffer another early playoff exit and head home with coach Jason Garrett under increasing pressure. LA head coach Sean McVay, on the other hand, becomes the youngest coach to win a playoff game in NFL History.
Stanimir Kamaliev
LA fired first and got 3 points through a field goal by Greg Zuerlein. Cowboys were quick to respond after a successful offensive move started by quarterback Dak Prescott. His pass found Amari Cooper in space and the number 19 ran all the way to the line, touchdown Dallas. The visitors followed it by a solid defensive play holding the Rams to their initial three points. 3-4
The home team really took control of the match in the second quarter. Another field goal shortly followed by a touchdown from CJ Anderson. Dallas failed to respond after Prescott failed to link up with Cooper for a second time. Rams took advantage and extended their lead even further. Hosts running back Todd Gurley took made a spectacular 35-yards run to cross the line and lift the home fans to their feet. 20-7 at halftime.
The Texas team was chasing the game in the third quarter. They first held the Rams back to a field goal. Then Prescott threw a brilliant pass to Ezekiel Elliott who ran for a touchdown but the play was brought to first down and goal. Zeke finished off the move and Cooper added a two-point conversion. Eight-point game. 23-15.
The LA Defence showed up in a crucial moment of the match when tackle Ndamukong Suh and safety Lamarcus Joyner stopped Cowboys at the 35-yard line preventing them from scoring. In their next play, The Rams essentially sealed the victory. Another touchdown from revelation Anderson, released by the Oakland Raiders less than a month ago, extended the lead for LA with only three minutes to go. Dallas fought till the end but added just two points to round up the final score at 30-22.
The Rams head to next Sunday’s NFC Championship game where they will face the winner of the playoff match between the New Orleans Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles.
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