Sam Darnold’s resurgence as a starting quarterback had set high expectations for the Minnesota Vikings this season, culminating in a deep playoff run. However, those aspirations came crashing down in a disappointing NFC wild-card round, where Darnold struggled significantly, contributing to a 27-9 loss against the Los Angeles Rams. In his playoff debut, Darnold matched an NFL record by being sacked nine times, while also committing two turnovers, marking a stark contrast to his previously successful campaign.
“I clearly didn’t play well enough the past couple of weeks,” Darnold reflected after the game. He completed 25 of 39 passes for 245 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. “Just left too many throws out there that I usually make. I’ve got to take better care of the football.” The Vikings’ head coach, Kevin O’Connell, had praised Darnold for his impressive performance throughout the season, especially after stepping into the starting role following a season-ending injury to rookie J.J. McCarthy. Darnold, who had previously struggled in his career with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, had revitalized his career in Minnesota, earning a Pro Bowl selection and leading the team to a 14-4 record.
Despite the optimism surrounding the Vikings, their playoff journey took a downturn in the final weeks of the regular season. A loss to the Detroit Lions in the penultimate game forced them to play on the road in the playoffs, a situation exacerbated by the relocation of the game to Arizona due to wildfires in Southern California. Darnold’s inability to adapt to pressure was evident as he became the first quarterback this century to be sacked six times in the first half of a playoff game. Key moments, including a fumble returned for a touchdown by Rams linebacker Jared Verse, and a turnover on downs just before halftime, sealed the Vikings’ fate. Although Darnold managed a touchdown pass to T.J. Hockenson in the third quarter, it was not enough to mount a comeback, leaving Minnesota to reflect on a season that ended far short of their championship aspirations.
Related topics
- What Is the Name of a Rugby Ball
- Is Rugby Safer Than Football
- Where Is the Rugby League World Cup Final
