Sam Darnold’s storybook 2024 season took a sour turn at the worst possible time. After an inspiring comeback campaign that earned him Pro Bowl honors and brought the Vikings to a 14-2 record, Darnold delivered a dud in Detroit, where the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
The Vikings needed a win to secure the NFC North title and a No. 1 seed, but instead, they watched their quarterback struggle mightily in a 31-9 loss to the Lions. It was a harsh reminder of Darnold’s past inconsistencies and raises serious concerns as Minnesota heads into the playoffs.
Darnold’s Nightmare at Ford Field
Darnold’s stat line—18 of 41 passing (43.9%), 166 yards, no touchdowns, and a 55.5 passer rating—tells the story of a quarterback who simply wasn’t sharp. It marked his lowest completion percentage of the season and one of his worst performances since joining the Vikings.
The most glaring issues came in the red zone. Over four trips inside the Lions’ 10-yard line, the Vikings managed just six points. Darnold’s misses were costly, including key opportunities to connect with top targets Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, who combined for just five catches and 63 yards on 17 targets.
“I’ve got to hit the throws,” Darnold admitted postgame. “It’s as simple as that.”
What Went Wrong?
Head coach Kevin O’Connell pointed to missed opportunities rather than poor decision-making, suggesting that Darnold’s struggles stemmed from execution rather than preparation.
“There seemed to be some opportunities,” O’Connell said. “He’s hit a lot of those all season long. Against a team like [the Lions], you’re hoping to get seven [points] a few of those times to give yourself a real chance to win.”
But it wasn’t just about mechanics. The Lions’ aggressive defense, led by Jared Verse and a blitz-heavy scheme, disrupted Darnold’s timing and forced him into uncomfortable situations. Detroit’s man coverage also limited Darnold’s options, leading to multiple missed connections with Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
A Chance for Redemption
Darnold’s poor performance is a painful blemish on what has been a remarkable season. However, the playoffs offer an opportunity for redemption. The Vikings will travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams in the wild card round, where Darnold will make the first playoff start of his career.
For Minnesota to advance, Darnold must quickly shake off his struggles in Detroit. A performance resembling his stellar regular season, rather than his early-career Jets days, will be crucial against a Rams team that can capitalize on mistakes.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond the immediate playoff implications, Darnold’s future is on the line. As he heads into free agency, his ability to rebound and lead the Vikings deep into the postseason could define his next contract—and how his 2024 season is remembered.
For now, all eyes will be on Darnold as he prepares for the biggest game of his career. The Vikings need their Pro Bowl quarterback to deliver, and Darnold needs to prove that Sunday night’s debacle was an anomaly, not a return to old habits.
