GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Minnesota Vikings entered their playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams as the first 14-win wild card team in NFL history, but their remarkable season came to an abrupt halt with a 27-9 defeat as the clock struck midnight.

“All that matters after a great season is how you perform in the playoffs,” said quarterback Sam Darnold after his playoff debut. “In the NFL, you’re together as a team for just one season. Today wasn’t our day; it’s as simple as that.”

Darnold struggled under the weight of Rams’ pressure throughout the wild card match, which was relocated from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to State Farm Stadium in Glendale due to devastating wildfires in the area. The Rams sacked Darnold a staggering nine times—a playoff record for sacks—and they also caused two turnovers, including an interception and a fumble returned for a touchdown.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell emphasized that the loss wasn’t on a single player—“We all share this,” he stated, adding, “I could have done better as a coach.” However, Darnold acknowledged that he didn’t lead the team effectively as he had during the regular season.

“I think I was to blame for many of the sacks, as I held onto the ball too long,” admitted Darnold, who posted 245 passing yards along with one touchdown and one interception. “I need to better sense the pressure and either step up, scramble for a first down, or just throw the ball away.”

After spending the last two seasons as a backup, Darnold enjoyed a breakout year, guiding the Vikings to a 14-3 record—Minnesota’s best regular season in 25 years. Hopes were high for a deep playoff push, especially with standout players like Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones, each of whom had over 1,000 yards in receiving and rushing, respectively.

Unfortunately, the Vikings’ hopes were dashed after losing two straight games, including a heavy defeat against the Detroit Lions, which could have secured the NFC North title and home-field advantage in the playoffs.

“It feels unreal,” lamented Jones, who had 48 yards on 13 carries. “I know it’s important to take each week as it comes, but I was certainly expecting to be playing next week.”

‘We Had Unlimited Potential’

The Vikings quickly fell behind 10-0 within the first seven minutes of the game, thanks to a touchdown and a field goal from the Rams. Minnesota responded with a field goal of their own, making it 10-3. They thought they had scored a defensive touchdown after strip-sacking Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, but the call was overturned after officials ruled Stafford had thrown an incomplete pass.

“I know that quarterback pretty well,” O’Connell reflected, having previously been the Rams’ offensive coordinator during their Super Bowl-winning season. “I know when (Stafford) is about to throw to someone and when he’s not, but that was the explanation provided. We just had to move on.”

On their next possession, Darnold threw an interception intended for receiver Jordan Addison, caught by Rams’ Cobie Durant. Following that, Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon sacked Darnold and forced a fumble that Jared Verse returned for a 57-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 17-3. By halftime, the Vikings were trailing 24-3, and they struggled to regain momentum. Darnold did manage to connect with tight end T.J. Hockenson for a 26-yard touchdown in the third quarter, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

“We simply didn’t do enough to secure the win. That’s how it goes in this league,” said a tearful Vikings safety Josh Metellus. “We had something special here. This is one of the best teams I’ve ever been a part of. We had limitless potential. It was all about winning one game at a time, and we were 0-1 today. And that’s how it ended.”

Jones expressed his sadness for his teammates and the way it ended. “We gave our all this year, and everyone played their hearts out today, but the outcome wasn’t what we wanted,” he said. “The team evolves every year, and it’s tough to realize that some guys may not return. This is the closest team I’ve ever been part of. I love these guys.”

What Lies Ahead for Sam Darnold?

Darnold is heading into free agency after completing his one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings. He appeared ready to continue as a starter, whether in Minnesota or with a new team, but his recent performance may affect his future. However, Darnold indicated that he’d address that later.

“I’m not focusing on that right now. I’m looking back at what I could have done better today and just being with the teammates in the locker room,” Darnold stated.

Jefferson also reflected on the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position, likening it to last season.

“It feels like déjà vu; I was unsure of who my quarterback would be last year, but that didn’t matter to me,” Jefferson stated, who caught five passes for 58 yards in the game. “I believe in my capability to perform well, regardless of who plays quarterback. It’s not up to me to decide who will be under center.”

Regardless of the outcome, O’Connell stressed that two poor games shouldn’t overshadow Darnold’s Pro Bowl-caliber season: “I’m proud of (Darnold), and of everyone in that locker room. The journey that Sam and I had this year will always hold a special significance for me.”