GLENDALE, Ariz. — Matthew Stafford threw two landing passes and the Los Angeles Rams overwhelmed the Minnesota Vikings, sacking Sam Darnold an NFL playoff record-tying 9 instances to win 27-9 Monday night time in an NFC wild-card recreation that was moved out of Southern California due to devastating wildfires.
Rookie Jared Verse returned a fumble for a 57-yard rating for the Rams (11-7), who appeared snug of their adopted residence of State Farm Stadium from the primary snap.
LA drove for a landing on the opening drive and constructed a 10-0 lead by the top of the primary quarter.
The sport was moved to the Phoenix suburbs — practically 400 miles east of the Rams’ residence in Inglewood, California — due to the wildfires that proceed to burn within the Los Angeles space. LA’s subsequent recreation might be on the East Coast in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Verse’s landing with 4:35 left within the second quarter gave the Rams a 17-3 lead.
Darnold was underneath stress from blitzing cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon when he misplaced the ball.
The 24-year-old Verse scooped it up and ran down the sector untouched, somersaulting into the top zone.
The play despatched the Rams’ devoted right into a frenzy — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated some 45,000 followers made the trek from California for the sport, and the 63,400-seat stadium appeared full.
It was the lowlight of a brutal first half for Darnold, who was making his first NFL playoff look.
He was sacked 5 instances earlier than the break and threw an interception when Cobie Durant picked off a cross supposed for Jordan Addison.
Minnesota (14-4) had an opportunity to earn the NFC’s high seed within the closing recreation of the common season, however Darnold struggled in a loss at Detroit.
His poor end raises questions on his long-term future with the Vikings after he performed this season on a one-year deal.
