ESPN Analyst Dan Orlovsky Defends Sam Darnold After Vikings’ Wild-Card Loss
In the aftermath of the Minnesota Vikings’ 27-9 wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams, quarterback Sam Darnold has faced heavy criticism for the team’s disappointing performance. However, Dan Orlovsky, an ESPN analyst, came to Darnold’s defense, arguing that the quarterback isn’t the primary reason for the Vikings’ early playoff exit.
Appearing on ESPN’s First Take, Orlovsky countered host Stephen A. Smith, who suggested that Darnold’s performance was to blame. Orlovsky strongly disagreed, ranking Darnold “fourth or fifth” on the list of reasons for the loss.
“You think last night’s about Sam Darnold? You’re out of your mind,” Orlovsky said. “This is where we just look at football very differently, and it frustrates me. You have to move past the simple ‘he lost, quarterback stunk’ narrative. Last night, I would put Sam Darnold at fourth or fifth when it comes to why that game went the way it did.”
Orlovsky Breaks Down the Vikings’ Struggles
Orlovsky highlighted several issues that plagued the Vikings during the game, starting with the team’s inability to adjust to a defensive blueprint previously laid out by the Detroit Lions.
“Chris Shula [Rams defensive coordinator] just copied what Aaron Glenn [Lions defensive coordinator] did,” Orlovsky explained. “Justin Jefferson was double-teamed more often than not. The Lions showed how to defend this offense last week, and the Rams executed it perfectly.”
Orlovsky also pointed to the Vikings’ offensive line, which was overwhelmed by the Rams’ dominant defensive front. The line allowed nine sacks, putting Darnold under relentless pressure throughout the game.
“Their offensive line got absolutely demolished by the Rams’ defensive line,” Orlovsky said. “By the way, the Rams have the best young defensive line in football. They have since October. I don’t think five quarterbacks in the league could’ve played well last night in that situation.”
Kevin O’Connell Out-Coached
Orlovsky didn’t stop there. He also criticized Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, suggesting that he was outmaneuvered by Rams head coach Sean McVay.
“Kevin O’Connell got out-coached,” Orlovsky stated. “That’s a huge part of this as well. No quarterback—outside of maybe Lamar [Jackson], Patrick [Mahomes], or Josh Allen—was going to thrive in that game given the circumstances.”
Darnold’s Performance in Perspective
Despite the loss, Darnold’s overall stat line was respectable under the circumstances. He completed 25 of 40 passes for 245 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Orlovsky believes the blame on Darnold is misplaced, emphasizing that the game was a collective failure.
“It wasn’t just Sam Darnold,” Orlovsky concluded. “The offensive line got embarrassed by a better defensive line. It’s a team issue, not just a quarterback issue.”
A Tough End to a Promising Season
The Vikings finished the regular season with a 14-3 record, a second-place finish in the NFC North, and high hopes for postseason success. However, back-to-back lopsided losses to the Lions and Rams have raised questions about the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. With an offseason full of decisions ahead, including at quarterback, the franchise will need to address its weaknesses to capitalize on the momentum of an otherwise strong year.
