Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was terrorized by the Los Angeles Rams’ pass rush on Monday night, and one incredible photo that was taken serves as the perfect illustration of how the game went.
The Rams sacked Darnold a total of nine times in their 27-9 NFC Wild Card win over the Vikings. Linebacker Jared Verse did not have any of those sacks, but he certainly got in on the action.
One of L.A.’s biggest plays of the game came when they were leading 17-3 late in the first half. The Vikings had 4th-and-2 at midfield with 1:32 remaining in the second quarter and decided to go for it. Darnold was sacked by defensive end Kobie Turner for a turnover on downs.
Verse also came flying in on the play with a Superman dive. His effort was captured with an amazing photo:
Would you look at this AP photo. Captured Jared Verse in flight lol pic.twitter.com/HrrweLa5CX
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) January 14, 2025
The video of the play was not quite as impressive:
Somehow an NFL official standing right by the play missed the most obvious late hit on a quarterback of the season. But what a late hit it was. Sign him up, WWE: pic.twitter.com/rQ6CudJnK3
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 14, 2025
Verse got there late and did not receive credit for a partial sack, but he helped create a once-in-a-lifetime photo.
The Rams made life difficult on Darnold and Minnesota’s offense all night. Darnold finished 25/40 for 245 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He was ruthlessly mocked on social media following a terrible start to the game.
