Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings are reeling from their second Wild Card round exit in three years. But they still seemingly have faith in their 2024 starting quarterback Sam Darnold.
Kevin O’Connell Praises Sam Darnold for 2024 Performance in Vikings’ Postgame Presser
O’Connell was probed about his thoughts on Darnold’s future with the Vikings after their 27-9 Wild Card loss vs. the Los Angeles Rams. The head coach had nothing but effusive praise for the USC product and his 2024 performance:
“(He has been) a winning quarterback this year and the consistency at times he had throughout the year and what that meant for our team… I think that can stay with him moving forward as he goes back to work.”
The way Kevin O’Connell talks about Sam Darnold here really signals that he’s gone 👀
“I think that can stay with him moving forward… Sam and that journey him and I went on will always be something that’s a special place in my heart.” pic.twitter.com/noQChHpGNh
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) January 14, 2025
“Proud of him, proud of really everybody in that locker room, but Sam and the journey him and I went on this year will always be something that has a special place in my heart.”
Indeed, before the 2024 season started, few NFL fans could have foreseen how he went on to play. Darnold had a dysfunctional tenure with the New York Jets during his rookie contract. Most saw him as a career backup drafted in a rather forgettable rookie QB class.
But he’s emerged from this past season with 4,315 passing yards and a 35-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Some of the throws he made during the 2024 season showcased his massive potential as a passer.
However, Darnold was unable to make his first career NFL playoff start count. The occasion seemed to get to him — as did the Rams defensive line — as he got sacked nine times for 82 lost yards.
But Darnold’s relatively young age of 27 indicates that he still has untapped potential as a playoff performer. Whether or not the Vikings bring him back for 2025, he has proven his mettle as a starting QB in the league.