Matthew Stafford threw two landing passes because the Los Angeles Rams overwhelmed the Minnesota Vikings, sacking Sam Darnold an NFL playoff record-tying 9 occasions to win 27-9 in Monday night time’s NFC Wild Card sport.
The matchup had been relocated out of Southern California and performed at State Farm Stadium in Arizona as a consequence of ongoing wildfires.
Rookie Jared Verse returned a fumble for a 57-yard rating for the Rams (11-7), who regarded comfy 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.
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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, 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 occasions earlier than the break and threw an interception when Cobie Durant picked off a cross meant for Jordan Addison.
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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
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Minnesota (14-4) had an opportunity to earn the NFC’s high seed within the ultimate sport 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.
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Minnesota’s Blake Cashman grabbed the ball on the bounce and ran 26 yards to the tip zone. Officers known as it a fumble on the sector, nevertheless it 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 complete yards and lots of of these got here when the sport was already out of hand.
Darnold: I did not play effectively sufficient
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold: “I clearly did not play effectively sufficient the previous couple weeks. Simply left too many throws on the market that I often make. I’ve bought to take higher care of the soccer.”
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell: “I feel it is crucial all of us take into consideration Sam’s physique of labor, what he was ready to do that yr when not very many individuals thought he would be capable of.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford: “This time of yr, 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 means.”
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Highlights of the Inexperienced Bay Packers towards the Philadelphia Eagles on Wild Card weekend of the NFL
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, dwell on Sky Sports activities NFL.
