Darnold’s Struggles Against Rams Validate Vikings’ Decision
In a critical match for Sam Darnold, his performance against the Los Angeles Rams rekindled memories of his struggles during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. The Seattle Seahawks quarterback threw four interceptions and no touchdown passes in a 21-19 loss on November 16, 2025. This game marked Darnold’s first significant setback of the season against another contender in the NFC West.
Darnold’s Disappointing Game
The matchup featured two strong teams, each sporting a record of 7-2. With first place at stake in the NFC West, expectations were high. However, Darnold’s performance underscored why the Vikings made the decision to part ways with him during the offseason.
The Vikings’ Dilemma
- January 13, 2025: Vikings eliminated from playoffs after a disappointing performance against the Rams.
- Darnold struggled in key games, contributing to the Vikings’ decision to move on.
- Option A: Retain Darnold, risking a hefty contract that would limit future roster improvements.
- Option B: Sign a rookie quarterback, allowing for better financial flexibility.
Ultimately, the Vikings opted for Option B, although Darnold has excelled with the Seahawks. He secured a three-year, $100 million contract and has shown significant improvement compared to his time in Minnesota.
Current Status of the Vikings and Darnold
The decision to move on from Darnold has elicited mixed feelings as the Vikings struggle with a 4-6 record, while the Seahawks are poised for a playoff run. The Vikings hoped to see better performance from their young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, who has faced accuracy and mechanics challenges.
Future Outlook
Despite Darnold’s recent failure against the Rams, the Vikings maintain that their decision was sound given the information available at the time. The team needed flexibility to address other roster gaps, which a costly contract for Darnold would have hindered.
As the season progresses, the Vikings may feel more reassured about their call to pursue new opportunities. Darnold’s ongoing struggles may quiet critics advocating for his return to Minnesota. Despite this, speculation and analysis surrounding quarterback decisions will likely continue as both Darnold and McCarthy navigate their respective performances.
