The Vikings huddled behind the closed doors of State Farm Stadium’s auxiliary locker room for nearly a half-hour after their 27-9 loss to the Rams on Monday night, before principal owner Zygi Wilf emerged with a blank expression and players packed for the long flight home.

Monday’s night NFC wild card game transpired like a Hollywood movie script as the Rams channeled the devastation from the wildfires into motivation.

The Los Angeles Rams' defense seemed to be starting practically from scratch when it began this season with a rookie coordinator and without retired superstar Aaron Donald. The Rams knew they would have to endure all of the mistakes and setbacks required to rebuild a once-solid unit.