Despite finishing the year second in a loaded NFC North with an impressive 14-3 record, the Minnesota Vikings aren’t serious contenders. After the team’s divisional loss to the Detroit Lions, Minnesota will travel down to Los Angeles in the wild-card round.
Although the team is heavily talented on all sides of the ball, one position is undoubtedly lacking. Despite throwing for over 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns, Sam Darnold is hindering the team’s success.
Darnold is having a career year and is looking great on paper. But, if you were lucky to watch the Vikings’ week 18 matchup, Darnold could not keep up with the Lions’ elite defense.
In the loss, the quarterback completed only 43.9% of his passes, missing several opportunities in the red zone.
“I’ve got to have our team ready to execute, pitch and catch, and do the little things… We won the turnover battle, but when we had opportunities to put the ball in the end zone and just didn’t do it. So clearly, we need to take a look at it and be ready to improve immediately.” Head Coach Kevin O’Connell said concerning Darnold’s inaccuracy in the team’s press conference after the week 18 contest.
After spending a year as the San Francisco 49ers’ backup, Sam Darnold signed a one-year deal with the Vikings, adding to an indefinite quarterback room.
Despite the coaching staff and teammates showing support for Darnold, it’s been reported that the front office and the quarterback have yet to discuss a possible extension. This outcome is reasonable when you look at the Vikings’ quarterback dilemma.
The Vikings spent their 2023 first-round pick to acquire J.J. McCarthy out of Michigan, who looked incredible until his season-ending meniscus injury. Although Darnold was initially the week one starter for Minnesota, it appeared that McCarthy wouldn’t had to wait long to see the field.
Given the Vikings’ recent success with their quarterbacks, there is no reason for the team to hesitate in moving on from Darnold.
Once again, Sam Darnold is playing well enough for his team to win. However, players like Justin Fields or Bryce Young could easily win 11-14 games in Minnesota’s offense, with significantly more upside for the future.
The Minnesota Vikings are in win-now mode. Elite defense, top tier receiving duo, incredible coaching staff, everything is in place for the team’s first Lombardi.
If the Vikings sign Darnold to a massive deal, they will be stuck in both offensive production and team success for years to come, as Darnold’s ceiling can’t get any higher. If you let him walk and commit to a player like J.J. McCarthy, it might take some time, but you will have identical or even better quarterback play for the future.
