INGLEWOOD, Calif. --The Minnesota Vikings continued their mastery of the first quarter Thursday night at SoFi Stadium. They took the opening possession of their game against the Los Angeles Rams 70 yards on eight plays, never facing a third down before quarterback Sam Darnold capped the drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Josh Oliver.
TD Josh Oliver! Sam Darnold and the @Vikings offense make quick work of the first drive 👏#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/j5PtJLEwg8
The outcome was pretty predictable. The Vikings had outscored opponents 58-3 in the first quarter entering this game, while the Rams had been outscored 35-6. Oliver's touchdown came in the Vikings' final game without starting tight end T.J. Hockenson, who is expected to be added to the Vikings' 53-man roster Friday after a nine-month recovery from right knee surgery.
Darnold, playing near his hometown, completed all four of his passes on the drive, including three for 44 yards to receiver Justin Jefferson.
The Vikings followed up by scoring on their second possession, another 70-yard drive that ended in a 10-yard touchdown pass -- this time from Darnold to receiver Trent Sherfield Sr.
Make that two TDs for the @Vikings in the 1st quarter 👀#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/LsLnWvRd9E
Darnold now has five games with multiple passing touchdowns this season after having four combined over the past three seasons. He finished the first quarter with eight completions in eight attempts for 97 yards and the two scores.