Vikings Grapple With Passing Game Woes, Look to Rebound in Playoffs
The Minnesota Vikings, coming off a frustrating 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, are facing a pressing challenge as they enter the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 5 seed. Despite a stellar 14-3 record, their passing game—the centerpiece of their offense—struggled mightily in Detroit, leaving the team to reevaluate ahead of their Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on January 13.
Darnold’s Tough Night
Sam Darnold had one of his most challenging performances of the season. Completing just 18 of 41 passes (43.9%) for 166 yards, he failed to find the end zone and struggled in the red zone, with the Vikings going 0-for-4 on trips inside the 20-yard line.
“There’s no question, there are certain circumstances in that game where I’ve got to do a much better job,” said head coach Kevin O’Connell. He pointed to missed opportunities and Darnold’s struggles under relentless pressure, as the Lions’ blitz disrupted the quarterback’s timing and decision-making.
O’Connell suggested that Darnold may have let the moment overwhelm him at times. “There’s maybe five, six, seven, eight plays in that game where the quarterback’s going to have the spotlight, and we don’t make it,” he admitted.
Darnold took accountability, stating, “I felt like I went to the right place with the ball. I’ve just got to hit the throw.”
A Misfire on Offense
The Vikings’ offense, which has thrived under O’Connell’s play-calling, faltered in Detroit. Despite 6.3 yards per rush, their second-highest average this season, they ran the ball only 19 times, the second-fewest all year. This lack of balance limited their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
“We were in the red zone four times, and we didn’t score,” said star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. “You’re not going to win games like that, putting the defense in that type of predicament.”
Bright Spots on Defense
Minnesota’s defense showed improvement compared to their earlier loss to Detroit, holding the Lions to just 10 points through seven possessions before late-game scores widened the margin.
Linebacker Ivan Pace made his presence felt in his second game back from injury, recording an interception off a tipped pass and leading the team with 10 tackles, including one for loss.
Special Teams and Injuries
Rookie kicker Will Reichard, battling inconsistency since a quadriceps injury, missed a 51-yard field goal and sent a kickoff out of bounds, leading to a Lions field goal before halftime. Reichard has now missed six of his last 16 attempts, a concerning trend heading into the postseason.
On the injury front, the Vikings remain relatively healthy. Cam Robinson continues to perform well in place of injured left tackle Christian Darrisaw, while outside linebacker Patrick Jones is working toward a return from a knee injury.
The Road Ahead
Minnesota will face a familiar foe in the Los Angeles Rams, whom they lost to 30-20 in Week 8. With an extra day to prepare, the Vikings aim to address their offensive struggles and rediscover the form that helped them achieve a franchise-best regular-season record.
O’Connell remains optimistic: “We’ve been here before. It’s about execution and staying true to who we are.”
As the playoffs approach, the Vikings are determined to prove that their passing game, and their season, can still reach championship heights.
