Sam Darnold’s playoff debut ended in catastrophe on Monday night. The Minnesota Vikings quarterback, who was enjoying a career-best season, struggled mightily, succumbing to nine sacks and committing two game-changing turnovers in a 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The defeat not only ends Minnesota’s promising season but raises significant questions about Darnold’s future in the NFL.
A stunning collapse after a stellar regular season
Sam Darnold’s 2024 season had all the makings of a redemption story. After stepping in for injured rookie J.J. McCarthy during the preseason, the former No. 3 overall draft pick led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, setting career highs in passing yards (4,319), touchdowns (35), and passer rating (102.5). His performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and solidified him as a key figure in Kevin O’Connell’s high-powered offense.
But when the stakes were highest, Darnold faltered. Facing the Rams on a neutral field in Arizona due to California wildfires, Darnold struggled against a relentless pass rush led by rookie standout Jared Verse and veteran Aaron Donald. By halftime, he had been sacked six times — an NFL playoff record for a first half in the 21st century. His hesitancy in the pocket and inability to make quick reads became glaring liabilities under the postseason spotlight.
Critical mistakes define the game
The game’s turning point came late in the second quarter. With the Vikings trailing 10-3, Darnold was strip-sacked by Jared Verse, who scooped up the ball and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown. The play extended the Rams’ lead to 17-3 and shifted all momentum in their favor. On the very next possession, facing a crucial fourth-and-2 near midfield, Darnold took another sack, handing the ball back to the Rams. Quarterback Matthew Stafford capitalized, throwing a 13-yard touchdown to tight end Davis Allen and pushing the lead to 24-3 before halftime.
Darnold’s lone bright moment came in the third quarter when he connected with tight end T.J. Hockenson on a 26-yard touchdown pass. However, the failed two-point conversion attempt left the Vikings trailing 27-9, and the team never mounted a serious comeback. “We just couldn’t execute when it mattered most,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said during the post-game press conference. “You can’t make these kinds of mistakes and expect to win in the playoffs.”
A historically poor performance
Statistically, Darnold’s outing was among the worst playoff performances in NFL history. According to Dan Pizzuta of “The 33rd Team,” Darnold ranked dead last in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play among 557 playoff performances. This advanced metric, which evaluates a player’s impact on scoring opportunities, underscored how Darnold’s struggles actively hurt the Vikings’ chances to stay competitive.
The offensive line also bore some blame for the disastrous result. Allowing nine sacks in a playoff game revealed glaring weaknesses in Minnesota’s pass protection. “We didn’t do enough to keep Sam upright,” said Vikings offensive lineman Brian O’Neill. “That’s on us as much as it’s on him.”
What the loss means for Darnold and the Vikings
For Darnold, the loss could have far-reaching consequences. After revitalizing his career during the regular season, his back-to-back poor performances in high-stakes games — including a dismal Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions — may overshadow his earlier success. NFL analyst Troy Aikman didn’t mince words, stating, “Teams are going to remember how he crumbled when it mattered most.”
The Vikings now face a pivotal offseason. Should they place the franchise tag on Darnold, effectively committing to him as their starter for another season? Or should they pivot to developing rookie J.J. McCarthy, who showed promise before his preseason injury? While Kevin O’Connell praised Darnold’s leadership earlier in the season, his inability to rise to the occasion in critical moments could force the team to explore other options.
Looking ahead: The Vikings’ future
Despite the disappointing playoff exit, the Vikings have reasons for optimism. Their roster features elite talent like wide receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson, who remain cornerstone offensive players. On the defensive side, linebacker Blake Cashman and others showed flashes of brilliance, providing a foundation to build upon.
However, addressing the offensive line will be a top priority for the Vikings in the offseason. The nine sacks allowed against the Rams exposed critical vulnerabilities in pass protection that must be fixed if Minnesota hopes to contend next season. Additionally, the team must make a decisive call at the quarterback position. Whether they stick with Darnold, turn to McCarthy, or explore the free-agent market, the decision will shape the Vikings’ trajectory for years to come.
Sam Darnold: Redemption or regression?
For Darnold, the Wild Card collapse leaves his NFL future uncertain. While his regular-season resurgence showcased his potential, his inability to perform under playoff pressure may limit his opportunities as a starting quarterback. As ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt noted, “The NFL is unforgiving, especially when you fail on the biggest stage.”
The Vikings’ 2024 season, once filled with promise, has come to a bitter end. As fans reflect on what could have been, the focus now shifts to an offseason filled with tough decisions and opportunities for growth. Whether it’s through improving their roster or finding a solution at quarterback, Minnesota must ensure that another golden opportunity doesn’t slip away in 2025.
