Sam Darnold implodes as Rams tie NFL playoff sack record in wild-card rout of Vikings

Sam Darnold implodes as Rams tie NFL playoff sack record in wild-card rout of Vikings

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Matthew Stafford threw two touchdown pᴀsses and the Los Angeles Rams overwhelmed the Minnesota Vikings, sacking Sam Darnold an NFL playoff record-tying nine times to win 27-9 Monday night in an NFC wild-card game that was moved out of Southern California because of devastating wildfires. 

Rookie Jared Verse returned a fumble for a 57-yard score for the Rams (11-7), who looked comfortable in their adopted home of State Farm Stadium from the first snap.

LA drove for a touchdown on the opening drive and built a 10-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. 

Sam Darnold is sacked during the Vikings-Rams game on Jan. 13, 2025. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The game was moved to the Phoenix suburbs — nearly 400 miles east of the Rams’ home in Inglewood, California — because of the wildfires that continue to burn in the Los Angeles area. LA’s next game will be on the East Coast against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. 

Verse’s touchdown with 4:35 left in the second quarter gave the Rams a 17-3 lead.

Darnold was under pressure from blitzing cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon when he lost the ball.

The 24-year-old Verse scooped it up and ran down the field untouched, somersaulting into the end zone. 

Sam Darnold reacts during the Vikings-Rams game on Jan. 13, 2025. Getty Images
Jared Verse returns a fumble for a touchdown during the Rams-Vikings game on Jan. 13, 2025. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The play sent the Rams’ faithful into a frenzy — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said some 45,000 fans made the trek from California for the game, 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 appearance.

He was sacked five times before the break and threw an interception when Cobie Durant picked off a pᴀss intended for Jordan Addison. 

Matthew Stafford throws a pᴀss during the Rams-Vikings game on Jan. 13, 2025. Getty Images

Minnesota (14-4) had a chance to earn the NFC’s top seed in the final game of the regular season, but Darnold struggled in a loss at Detroit.

His poor finish raises questions about his long-term future with the Vikings after he played this season on a one-year deal.

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