Rams sack Sam Darnold a record-tying 9 times in L.A.’s easy 27-9 win
The Los Angeles Rams beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 and felt home away from home in Monday’s wild card game that was relocated to Glendale, Arizona due to the California wild fires. Led by two sacks from Kobie Turner and a touchdown fumble recovery by rookie Jared Verse, L.A.’s defense shined and propelled the Rams to the next round, a divisional round matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The complementary football that Sean McVay has been speaking about all season showed up in full force.
The Rams tied an NFL playoff record with 9 sacks against the Vikings pic.twitter.com/r2iucUAv01
— PFF (@PFF) January 14, 2025
The Rams put together a one-sided first half as they scored 10 points in the initial quarter, including a touchdown on their opening possession. They added another 14 points in the second quarter and Verse returned a fumble for a TD as the Vikings only scored three points. It was the best half that L.A. played all year.
The second half was a bit different as the Vikings were in hurry-up mode while the Rams tried to chew clock. In the end, the Rams kept up a high enough level of play to close out the contest and earn the win.
Chris Shula’s defense gave up a touchdown in the third quarter, but they continued to keep the Vikings offense in check. The Rams didn’t score a second-half touchdown, but they scored a field goal, and did enough to keep their control of the game.
Despite a week filled with wild fires forcing this matchup to be played at a neutral site, it was the Rams who showed up ready to play. The Vikings looked out matched, and they’ll enter the offseason with plenty of questions including what they’ll do at quarterback.
That very well may have been Sam Darnold’s last game with the Vikings.
The Rams have questions too, but for now they can enjoy this playoff victory (their first postseason win since their Super Bowl campaign). After starting the season 1-4, it cannot be understated or overstated how incredible of a job the Rams have done to pull off this playoff victory.
Now, they’ve earned the right to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. However the season ends, they’ve improved upon last year’s campaign by winning a playoff game.
Time will tell if they will get even further, but to this point it’s fair to say their first season since Aarond Donald retired has been a success.
