Maybe the ghosts of MetLife traveled to State Farm Stadium.
Sam Darnold’s first half of playoff football quickly turned disastrous, with the Vikings quarterback — and Jets castoff — turning the ball over twice and taking six sacks as the Rams jumped out to a double-digit lead in the NFC wild-card round.
Darnold, during the regular season, revived his career under Kevin O’Connell, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
He helped Minnesota fall just a Week 18 win short of clinching the NFC’s top seed.
But with the Vikings facing the Rams to start the playoffs, Darnold led them to a field goal on their second drive before turning the ball over on the next two possessions.
Cobie Durant intercepted Darnold snaps after Minnesota crossed into Los Angeles territory, and after Ahkello Witherspoon sacked Darnold and forced a fumble, Jared Verse scooped up the ball and raced 57 yards for a touchdown.
The Vikings trailed, 24-3, at halftime, with Darnold completing 13-of-16 passes for 113 yards and the two turnovers.
