Sam Darnold’s impressive 2023 season came crashing down on Monday night as the Minnesota Vikings lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round. After a stellar regular season, Darnold threw for career highs of 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, but struggled against the Rams.
In his post-game interview, Darnold acknowledged that he didn’t live up to expectations. “We didn’t get it done today,” he said. “That’s all that matters.” The Vikings’ offense regressed in recent weeks, with Darnold throwing 23 off-target throws and taking a total of 11 sacks, including nine against the Rams.
Darnold’s struggles came after a symbolic celebration from teammates just days earlier, following the Vikings’ Week 17 victory over the Green Bay Packers. However, he has now regressed to some of the levels that cost him his jobs with the New York Jets in 2020 and the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell offered some light critiques, saying that “there were some completions to be had.” The organization will lean on O’Connell for a final decision on Darnold’s future.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43406684/sam-darnold-struggles-vikings-wild-card-loss-rams-uncertain-future-looms