The Minnesota Vikings are the subject of a lot of scrutiny across the NFL landscape at the current moment.
Sam Darnold, the Vikings’ QB in 2024, is headed to the Super Bowl. Many were doubtful of Darnold after his poor performances in the final two games of the Vikings’ 2024 season.
Darnold Doubt Swept Across Vikings Land to End 2024 Season
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball against the Houston Texans during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The first game of the two came in the NFL’s season finale on Sunday Night Football against the Detroit Lions. The game was for the NFC North and the NFC’s #1 seed in the playoffs. Minnesota completely no-showed in a 31-9 loss. In that game, Darnold went 18/41 for 166 yards and zero touchdowns.
The “punishment” for losing that contest was becoming the 5th seed and travelling to play the Rams on the road. It was a game that took place in Arizona, as the Los Angeles wildfires at the time forced the game away from SoFi Stadium.
That game didn’t go much better, as the Vikings no-showed that one as well. Darnold threw 25 of 40 for 245 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception in a 27-9 loss. He was also sacked a resounding 9 times.
This “disappearance” from the Sam Darnold we saw in the rest of 2024 made many Vikings fans ready to move on. It didn’t help that the 10th overall selection from several months before, J.J. McCarthy, was waiting in the wings.
Minnesota Chooses McCarthy, and Pay the Short-term Price (For Now)
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 04: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Now, Sam Darnold is heading to the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. Inversely, the Vikings appear to be in QB purgatory again. Theories are floating about the Vikings potentially taking a look at a veteran QB like Mac Jones, but the feeling is that McCarthy will end up being the guy in 2026. At least, to begin with.
Former NFL QB Brian Hoyer, most notably of the Patriots and Browns, shared some honest thoughts about the Vikings’ handling of Sam Darnold.
He made an appearance on Fanduel’s Up&Adams with Kay Adams, where he shared his take.
“If I’m Minnesota right now, how are you feeling about letting this guy just walk out the door?”
Brian Hoyer on Up&Adams on Wednesday
The initial thought is that they’re probably not thrilled. Sure, they’re happy for the kid in Sam Darnold that’s living his dreams. Selfishly, and understandably, they’re probably wondering what went wrong in their process.
Even if Darnold doesn’t hoist the Lombardi Trophy on Super Bowl Sunday, these talks may define the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell era.
If he does hoist it, along with a Super Bowl MVP Award, then Vikings fans will likely go to the grave wonder what could’ve been if they ran it back with Sam Darnold.
Vikings Questioned by Former NFL QB Over Sam Darnold Blunder