In a playoff game that was moved due to wildfires, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 to advance to the divisional round.

It was an impressive performance for a young defense that has taken a giant step forward since the start of the season, which included a 41-10 loss earlier in the year.

The Rams pressured Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold early and often, and Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Jared Verse recovered a fumble and ran it in for a touchdown to give Los Angeles a 17-3 lead in the second quarter.

Darnold was sacked nine times during the game, tying an NFL playoff record, and Minnesota’s offense struggled to find any rhythm.

The Rams’ playoff victory marked their first since winning the championship during the 2021 season and came as players and coaches wore hats and shirts to honor the first responders fighting the fires.

Next up, the Rams will travel for their next playoff game.

Los Angeles Rams (11-7)

QB breakdown: The Rams’ quarterback completed 19 of 27 passes for 209 yards with two touchdowns and was sacked twice. He completed 12 passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns to running backs and tight ends.

Most surprising performance: The Rams’ strong start on offense. Los Angeles had struggled to score early all season, but this time, they scored a touchdown on their opening drive for just the third time that season. Stafford was 6-for-6 for 64 yards on the drive, including a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Kyren Williams.

Pivotal play: Early in the second quarter, Stafford was hit, and the play was initially ruled a fumble, with the Vikings recovering for a touchdown. However, the call was reversed to an incomplete pass, and the Rams retained possession.

Describe the game in two words: Sack attack. The Rams sacked Darnold nine times, setting an NFL playoff record. Darnold was sacked six times in the first half, the most in any half of his career.

Next game: The Rams will travel for their next playoff game.

Minnesota Vikings (14-4)

The Vikings’ dream season ended in disappointment, with back-to-back shaky performances to close out the year. Quarterback Darnold struggled to make decisions in the pocket and took six sacks in the first half, including one that led to a fumble returned for a touchdown. He also threw an interception in the first half.

That performance came just one week after a subpar showing in a loss to a division rival, raising questions about whether the Vikings will bring Darnold back next season.

Eye-popping stat: The Vikings went 21 consecutive drives without a touchdown before scoring one in the third quarter.

Most surprising performance: The lack of adjustments made by the head coach. He continued to express confidence in Darnold but failed to make necessary adjustments to counter the strong Rams pass rush.

Biggest hole in the game plan: Despite struggles earlier in the season, the Vikings blitzed Stafford early in the game. It didn’t work, as Stafford efficiently handled the pressure and led his team to a touchdown drive.

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