The Minnesota Vikings’ 2024 campaign ended with a whimper, as they were blown out by the Los Angeles Rams on Wild Card Weekend, 27-9. Minnesota’s 14-3 regular-season record was ultimately misleading, as the piece once reviewed as the propeller for the Vikings’ success ended up being the reason the team broke down when it mattered most.
Quarterback Sam Darnold put together a career year with 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, but completely faltered down the stretch. In the pivotal Week 18 matchup vs. the Detroit Lions for the No. 1 seed in the NFC and the postseason loss on Monday night, Darnold completed 53% of his passes and averaged 5.1 yards per attempt after completing 68% of his passes with 8.2 yards per attempt in his first 16 games of the season.
The former No. 3 overall pick is now a free agent, and his performance over the last two weeks cost him millions of dollars — if not his place in the Vikings’ plans altogether. If Darnold was allowed to walk in free agency, he’s expected to be replaced by the No. 10 overall pick in last year’s draft: Former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Following the Vikings’ loss on Monday night, McCarthy posted an interesting message on social media: “Amor fati.”
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