Sam Darnold Struggles in Vikings' Loss to Lions

Sam Darnold's performance in the Minnesota Vikings' 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions marked a disappointing end to the regular season, as he completed just 18 of 41 passes for 166 yards without any touchdowns. This game was crucial for the Vikings, who were aiming for the NFC's No. 1 seed, but Darnold's struggles contributed to their slip to the fifth seed in the playoffs. Analysts noted that his subpar completion percentage of 43.9% and a passer rating of 55.5 were major factors in the loss, especially given his previously strong season where he was named to the Pro Bowl. Darnold will need to quickly recover as the Vikings prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round, aiming to regain their earlier momentum. Despite this setback, Darnold's overall season has been viewed positively, showcasing a significant turnaround in his career. The Vikings' offense also faced challenges, including drops from key receivers and a struggling offensive line, complicating Darnold's efforts in the game.