GLENDALE, Ariz. — Matthew Stafford Threw two touchdown passes and Los Angeles Rams Overwhelmed Minnesota VikingsTermination Sam Darnold tied an NFL playoff record nine times to win 27-9 Monday night in an NFC wild-card round game that was moved out of Southern California because of devastating wildfires.
Rookie Jared verse A fumble was returned 57 yards for a score by 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 took a 10-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The game was moved to the suburbs of Phoenix — about 400 miles east of the Rams’ home in Inglewood, Calif. — because wildfires continue to burn in the Los Angeles area. LA’s next match will be against East Coast. 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 blitzing pressure from the cornerback. Ahkilo Witherspoon When he lost the ball. Ayat, 24, scooped it up and ran down the field untouched and into the end zone.
The play sent the Rams faithful into a frenzy — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said about 45,000 fans made the trek from California for the game, and the 63,400-seat stadium appeared to be packed.
It was a 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 Kobe Durant Whose goal picked up a pass Jordan Addison.
Minnesota (14-4) had a chance to clinch the NFC’s top seed in the final game of the regular season, but Darnold lost in Detroit. His poor performance this season after playing on a one-year deal raises questions about his long-term future with the Vikings.