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Zuerlein sends Rams to Super Bowl

Published:Sunday | January 20, 2019 | 12:00 AM
AP
Los Angeles Rams players celebrate after overtime of the NFL NFC championship game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Louisiana yesterday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

NEW ORLEANS (AP):

Greg Zuerlein kicked a 57-yard field goal in overtime to send the Los Angeles Rams to the Super Bowl with a 26-23 victory over the New Orleans Saints in the NFC championship game yesterday.

The stunning finish came after New Orleans got the ball first in the extra period. Under pressure, Drew Brees fluttered up a pass that was picked off by John Johnson III, who was able to hang on to the interception while falling onto his back.

 

Did just enough

 

The Rams were not able to do much offensively, but it did not matter. Zuerlein, who had already delivered a tying 48-yard kick with 15 seconds left in regulation, booted through the winning field goal with plenty of room to spare.

The Superdome, which had been in uproar all afternoon, suddenly turned eerily silent. It was the first home playoff loss for the Saints with Brees and coach Sean Payton. The Rams will meet either the New England Patriots or the Kansas City Chiefs, who were contesting the AFC Championship game at press time.