Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell appeared to slam the door on Sam Darnold’s return to the team following their playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.
Darnold was sacked nine times and went 25 of 40 for 245 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception in the 27-9 loss. This was one of Darnold’s worst performances of the season.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, #14, hands off to running back Aaron Jones, #33, during the first half of an NFL playoff football game on Monday January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
However, with JJ McCarthy waiting in the wings, it looked like Darnold would not be back with the Vikings for the 2025 season.
“I just want to say that it’s very important that we all think about Sam’s work, what he was able to do this year, when few people thought he would be able to lead a team to 14 wins.” , O’Connell said. via Pro Football Talk. “It ultimately didn’t work out, and I think Sam would be the first to tell you, could he have played better tonight? I’m sure he would have told you he could have. Could I have train better? I’m sure I could have.”
The Vikings signed Darnold in March before recruiting McCarthy. However, the former Michigan star suffered a torn Achilles tendon in training camp and missed the season.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold pauses before answering a question during a news conference following an NFL football playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
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Darnold won the starting job and surprised almost everyone in the league with a good season. Known for “seeing ghosts” while with the New York Jets, he passed for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, both career highs.
The last two weeks of Darnold’s season were the toughest. The team lost the NFC North division title to the Detroit Lions, 31-9, then suffered another blowout on Monday.
Ultimately, the Vikings only lost to two teams during the season. Detroit beat Minnesota in Week 7, and Los Angeles was victorious against them in Week 8.
O’Connell lamented the lack of offense in the final two weeks of the season.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell pauses before answering a question during a press conference following an NFL football playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday, 13 January 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Heading into the offseason, the Vikings will have to choose whether to go with McCarthy and a veteran backup or keep Darnold until McCarthy develops.
