Los Angeles Rams (4) – Minnesota Vikings (5): 27-9
The Rams defense completely dominated the Vikings in the final game of the first round of the 2024-25 NFL playoffs. Sam Darnold was sacked 9 times, tying a record in the final stages. He also lost a fumble returned for a touchdown and threw an interception. A total ordeal.
If the Rams won this match above all on defense, their attack also delivered a very clean score. Matthew Stafford (19/27, 209 yards, 2 TDs) found rhythm, with a little help from the ground game, and without having to force towards Puka Nacua (5 rec, 44 yards) or Cooper Kupp (1 rec , 29 yards), the team's star receivers.
It must be said that there was no need to force it as Los Angeles mastered its subject. The match seemed to be over at halftime.
The key moment: a match finished at half-time
It was early in the game, but the Vikings were so dominated that the Rams already seemed to be dealing the killing blow. A little less than five minutes before the break, Sam Darnold is sacked for the umpteenth time, here by Ahkello Whiterspoon. Except he loses the ball as a bonus. Jared Verse catches it and runs 57 yards to score, without anyone bothering him. He even allows himself a little pirouette to enter the end zone. The humiliation is underway. It makes it 17-3, and the Vikings are stunned.
The MVP: the Rams defense
It's always a bit thankless. When attackers are often highlighted individually, the defense is entitled to an overall trophy. The MVP could also be Chris Shula, the defensive coordinator of the Rams.
Los Angeles turned Sam Darnold's head with a variety of pressure schemes, which notably involved the defensive backs. In addition to the eight sacks, Rams defenders stole two balls, including one that was directly transformed into a touchdown. Cobie Durant had the interception and a sack. Jared Verse was there for the fumble covered for a touchdown. Justin Jefferson (5 rec, 58 yards) was limited to one human game. Kobie Turner knocked Darnold to the ground twice… For a team that lost Aaron Donald early in the season, this collective response is pretty superb.
The flop: Sam Darnold evaporates
The last match of the regular season against the Lions gave rise to doubts. This playoff meeting confirmed them. Sam Darnold completely missed the two most important meetings of the season.
He held the ball too long, took too many sacks and never managed to read what the Rams defense was imposing on him. For a player at the end of his contract who surely hoped to increase his value, this end of the season is a disaster. His stats sheet (25/40, 245 yards, 1 TD, 1 int) is even rather flattering this Monday.
The stat: 82
Of the 9 sacks he took, Sam Darnold lost 82 yards. If he threw for 245 yards, the yards lost on sacks bring his “net” total to 163.
Film of the match
The Rams set the tone from the start, with a perfect first possession: 7 actions, 70 yards, a touchdown from Kyren Williams (16 races, 76 yards) on a short pass from Matthew Stafford (7-0). In defense too, LA announces the color: Sam Darnold is sacked on the second action of the match and Minnesota must punt. After an exchange of field goals (10-3), the defenses block the match. But that of the Rams is the most opportunistic. Whiterspoon and Verse combine for the fumble that makes it 17-3 for the Rams. Then Kobie Turner sacks Darnold on a 4th attempt at halftime a little less than two minutes before the break.
This is where the Rams drive the point home. They quickly move up this half for Stafford to find Davis Allen in the end zone. Touchdown and 24-3 at halftime.
The only downside for the Rams was the exit of Tyler Higbee, author of an excellent start to the match (5 rec, 58 yards) but taken to the hospital because of a chest injury.
Things calm down after the break. The Rams fuel the score at the foot (27-3). Darnold finally finds TJ Hockenson (5 rec, 64 yards, 1 TD) for a 26-yard touchdown (27-10), we are still in the third quarter, but it is simply the last breath of the purples. The rest of the game was just a succession of punts and missed fourth down attempts.
And now ?
Forced to play in Phoenix by the fires ravaging Los Angeles, the Rams will travel again next week. They will face the Eagles in Philadelphia.
For the Vikings and Sam Darnold, it's a strange offseason ahead. The team won 14 games and reached the playoffs, but the quarterback missed the end of the campaign. Youngster JJ McCarthy will return from injury. But where will Darnold be, free in March?
