The Lions’ relentless defense left Sam Darnold scrambling in his most challenging game this season, highlighting vulnerabilities in Minnesota’s offensive line and strategy.

Well, Darnold had it worse in Detroit as the Lions pummeled the Vikings 31-9 to win the NFC North and claim the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Detroit pressured Darnold a whopping 33 times, comprised of 22 hurries, two sacks and nine hits.

Detroit’s defense sent a ton of six- or seven-man pressures and played mostly man coverage. Can the Rams replicate that in the playoffs?

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws the ball against the Detroit Lions. After the game, he took accountability and acknowledged his gaffes. “Kicking field goals isn’t going to get it done against that team,” said the 27-year-old Darnold in a report from the Associated Press. “I have to hit those throws.”

The Minnesota Vikings must eventually choose between Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy, but there may be a surprise factor in the equation. The post Vikings Expected to Consider $160 Million QB as Sam Darnold Replacement appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Sam Darnold’s shaky finish shouldn’t ruin his impressive season or impact his future. Several NFL teams need a franchise quarterback and Darnold proved he can be that guy in Minnesota, becoming the first quarterback to record 14 wins in his first season with a team.

Quarterback Sam Darnold’s disappointing finish to this Vikings season does not close the door on him returning to the team in 2025. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah told reporters during Thursday’s season-ending news conference that Darnold is among the “good options” the Vikings have at quarterback moving forward.

Despite leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-win season for the first time since the turn of the century, quarterback Sam Darnold is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. And it's long been believed he doesn't fit into the team's long-term plans.

Can Minnesota and its fan base forget the quarterback's back-to-back clunkers for a 2025 reunion? Or is it J.J. McCarthy time?

A controversial take on Sam Darnold’s future with the Minnesota Vikings sparks debate as the team faces a pivotal offseason decision.