LIVE REPORT: Sam Darnold’s Rollercoaster Season with the Vikings Ends in Playoff Heartbreak
Sam Darnold, who turned a tumultuous NFL career into a Pro Bowl-caliber season with the Minnesota Vikings, faced a tough ending to his fairytale resurgence. After stepping in as the starter when rookie J.J. McCarthy was sidelined with a season-ending injury, Darnold led the Vikings to an impressive 14-win season, showcasing a level of performance he had never reached before.
However, his remarkable comeback story hit a wall in the wild-card round of the playoffs on Monday night. Darnold struggled against the Los Angeles Rams, committing two turnovers and enduring a staggering nine sacks in a 27-9 defeat.
Darnold Takes Responsibility for Playoff Struggles
After the game, Darnold didn’t shy away from accountability. “I could’ve played better,” he admitted, acknowledging the tough night on the field.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell, while addressing the media, urged everyone to consider Darnold’s stellar season as a whole, despite the disappointing conclusion.
“It didn’t work out in the end,” O’Connell stated, before emphasizing the bigger picture. “It’s very important we all think about Sam’s body of work, what he was able to do this year, when not many people thought he would be able to lead a team to 14 wins.”
A Record-Breaking Comeback Season
Darnold, who signed a one-year deal with the Vikings in March 2024 after stints with the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers, thrived under O’Connell’s quarterback-friendly system.
The former third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft silenced critics with career-best numbers:
- Completion rate: 66.2%
- Passing yards: 4,319
- Touchdowns: 35
- Interceptions: 12
O’Connell lauded Darnold’s journey and growth, highlighting his leadership and consistency. “Very rare for a quarterback in his first year with a team… Most wins for a first-year quarterback with a team,” he noted.
A Tough Ending, but a Season to Remember
O’Connell didn’t shy away from addressing Darnold’s playoff struggles, adding that both the quarterback and coaching staff could have performed better.
“Could he have played better tonight? I’m sure he would tell you he could have. Could I have coached better? I promise you I could have,” O’Connell admitted.
Despite the loss, the head coach expressed immense pride in Darnold’s resilience and leadership throughout the season.
“The consistency and the times he had it throughout the year and what that meant for our team… Proud of him. Proud of everybody in that locker room, but Sam and the journey him and I went on this year will always be something that has a special place in my heart, for sure,” O’Connell said.
What’s Next for Darnold?
Now 27, Darnold faces free agency with a renewed sense of purpose. As O’Connell reflected, the quarterback’s ability to stick to what made him successful this season will be key to his future.
For Darnold, this season may have ended in disappointment, but it also served as proof that he can lead a team to success, even when the odds are against him. The NFL world will be watching to see what’s next for this remarkable comeback story.