Matthew Stafford threw two landing passes because the Los Angeles Rams overwhelmed the Minnesota Vikings, sacking Sam Darnold an NFL playoff record-tying 9 instances to win 27-9 in Monday night time’s NFC Wild Card recreation.
The matchup had been relocated out of Southern California and performed at State Farm Stadium in Arizona resulting from ongoing wildfires.
Rookie Jared Verse returned a fumble for a 57-yard rating for the Rams (11-7), who appeared snug from the primary snap as they constructed a 10-0 lead by the tip of the primary quarter.
The victory means they’ll now head on the highway to face the Philadelphia Eagles within the Divisional Spherical subsequent weekend.
Verse’s landing with 4:35 left within the second quarter gave the Rams a 17-3 lead. Darnold was below stress from blitzing cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon when he misplaced the ball, Verse scooping it up and working untouched downfield earlier than somersaulting into the tip zone.
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.
Stats leaders
Minnesota Vikings
- Passing: Sam Darnold, 25/40, 245 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Dashing: Aaron Jones, 13 carries, 48 yards
- Receiving: TJ Hockenson, 5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD
Los Angeles Rams
- Passing: Matthew Stafford, 19/27, 209 yards, 2 TDs
- Dashing: Kyren Williams, 16 carries, 76 yards
- Receiving: Tyler Higbee, 5 catches, 58 yards
Minnesota (14-4) had an opportunity to earn the NFC’s prime seed within the ultimate 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.
The Rams took a 24-3 lead when Stafford hit tight finish Davis Allen for a 13-yard landing with 15 seconds remaining within the first half. Stafford completed with 209 yards passing and accomplished his first 10 passes, together with all six on the opening landing drive.
Joshua Karty’s 44-yard subject aim made it 27-3 on the opening drive of the second half.
LA caught a break early within the second quarter when a probably game-changing fumble was overturned by replay. Stafford was being pulled to the turf by Minnesota linebacker Jonathan Greenard when the quarterback shovelled the ball ahead simply earlier than he hit the bottom.
Minnesota’s Blake Cashman grabbed the ball on the bounce and ran 26 yards to the tip zone. Officers referred to as it a fumble on the sphere, but it surely was dominated an incomplete cross after a replay assessment. The Vikings by no means threatened once more.
Darnold accomplished 25 of 40 passes for 245 yards, however misplaced 82 yards on the 9 sacks. The Vikings managed 269 whole yards and lots of of these got here when the sport was already out of hand.
Darnold: I did not play properly sufficient
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold: “I clearly didn’t play well enough the past couple weeks. Just left too many throws out there that I usually make. I’ve got to take better care of the football.”
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell: “I think it’s very important we all think about Sam’s body of work, what he was able to do this year when not very many people thought he would be able to.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford: “This time of 12 months, it does not actually reward you to be timid. You have to go on the market and make performs. Gotta go win video games within the playoffs, not simply hope that issues fall your method.”
What subsequent?
The Rams will now advance to face the Philadelphia Eagles within the Divisional Spherical after Nick Sirianni’s facet beat the Inexperienced Bay Packers on Sunday.
Elsewhere the No 1-seeded Kansas Metropolis Chiefs host the Houston Texans, whereas the Detroit Lions tackle the Washington Commanders and the Buffalo Payments meet the Baltimore Ravens.
Tremendous Bowl LIX takes place on Sunday February 9 on the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, reside on Sky Sports activities NFL.
