Sam Darnold implodes as Rams tie NFL playoff sack record in wild-card rout of Vikings

GLENDALE, Ariz.— Matthew Stafford threw two touchdown passes and the Los Angeles Rams overwhelmed the Minnesota Vikings, sacking Sam Darnold an NFL playoff record-tying nine times to win 27-9 Monday night in an NFC wild-card game that was moved out of Southern California because of devastating wildfires. Rookie Jared Verse returned a fumble for a 57-yard score for 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 built a 10-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. The game was moved to the Phoenix suburbs — nearly 400 miles east of the Rams’ home in Inglewood, California — because of the wildfires that continue to burn in the Los Angeles area.LA’s next game will be on the East Coast against the 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 pressure from blitzing cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon when he lost the ball.The 24-year-old Verse scooped it up and ran down the field untouched, somersaulting into the end zone. The play sent the Rams’ faithful into a frenzy — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said some 45,000 fans made the trek from California for the game, and the 63,400-seat stadium appeared full. It was the 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 when Cobie Durant picked off a pass intended for Jordan Addison. Minnesota (14-4) had a chance to earn the NFC’s top seed in the final game of the regular season, but Darnold struggled in a loss at Detroit.His poor finish raises questions about his long-term future with the Vikings after he played this season on a one-year deal....