Christian DarrisawHarry How/Getty Images
For folks who didn’t believe in the Minnesota Vikings, it was only a matter of time. Sooner or later, they would start losing—and it would be Sam Darnold’s fault. His improbable start to the 2024 season was a fluke. Order would be restored to the universe.
Well, the Vikings dropped their second straight Thursday night
in Los Angeles. In an NFC North that has become a buzzsaw, it could be a costly
loss.
But Minnesota has much bigger problems right now than their
quarterback.
This isn’t to say Darnold is blameless for Thursday’s loss. After touchdowns on their first two drives, Minnesota scored six points the rest of the way. Darnold was over-focused on star receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson had eight receptions for 115 yards. Every other pass-catcher on the team had 10 for 125.
Even with a player as great as Jefferson, that won’t work in the NFL.
The Vikings also suffered a potentially devastating injury. Minnesota’s offensive line had been the epitome of stability this year. But once left tackle Christian Darrisaw left the game, that changed—and so did Darnold.
However, the big problem—the proverbial purple elephant wearing a Viking helmet in the room—is Minnesota’s defense.
The Vikings have surrendered yards by the bushel all season
long. But Minny was a top-10 scoring defense entering Week 8, largely because
of sacks and takeaways.
Outside one bad Matt Stafford throw that was picked off, those big plays weren’t there against the Rams—and the result was 30 points and 386 yards of offense. Stafford had more touchdown throws in Week 8 than in Weeks 1-7 combined.
The Vikings have far and away the worst defense in the NFL’s toughest division.
And that could keep them out of the postseason.
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