At a pivotal moment, the Vikings are considering Sam Darnold, who is set to be one of the most sought-after free-agent quarterbacks this offseason, despite a disappointing finish to the season.
Darnold’s performance during the regular season paints a compelling picture: he accumulated 4,319 passing yards, threw for 35 touchdowns, and achieved an impressive passer rating of 102.5, which was instrumental in securing 14 wins for the Vikings.
However, their aspirations for a championship fell apart in a devastating loss to the Detroit Lions, a setback that cost them both the top seed and home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Kurt Warner from NFL Network has shared candid insights regarding Darnold’s gameplay, specifically focusing on how he handles pressure.
The Hall of Fame quarterback noted that Darnold’s struggles with reading and responding to defensive pressure were not merely isolated incidents; they were a consistent theme throughout the season.
Warner raised concerns about Darnold’s tendency to take critical sacks during pivotal moments instead of opting for smarter plays, such as throwing the ball away to maintain field goal chances.
While acknowledging that the Vikings’ late-season decline was not entirely Darnold’s fault, pointing out the team’s struggles in physicality on both offense and defense, he could not overlook the quarterback’s failures in the season’s most crucial moments.
The veteran analyst stressed that Darnold’s inability to perform under pressure in those critical games casts doubt on his future with the team.
Now, the Vikings are confronted with a challenging decision regarding their commitment to Darnold as their franchise quarterback, especially considering these persistent issues in high-pressure situations.
