Minnesota Vikings fans had lost any hope from this season after their pick J.J. McCarthy got injured and was sidelined for the entire season. Now, they are in the playoffs and gunning for the top prize.
It’s all thanks to backup quarterback Sam Darnold’s stellar performances. In such a scenario, former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho reminds the QB what is on the line for him.
Emmanuel Acho Ups the Stakes for Sam Darnold
This Monday, the Vikings will take on the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round. This will be an important game for the team but a monumental postseason debut for Darnold. After throwing for 4,319 yards and registering 35 touchdowns in the regular season, he needs to continue his form in the postseason.
Acho, during his appearance on FS1’s “The Faculty,” argued that his performances in the postseason could net him up to $120 million. “It’s very simple,” he said. “Sam Darnold, he’s paying probably for 75 to $120 million. That is what is at stake for Sam Darnold, and it’s crazy because you can completely rewrite your legacy in about 12 quarters.”
“Sam Darnold is playing for $75-120M. He can rewrite his legacy.”@EmmanuelAcho on what’s at stake for Sam Darnold entering the playoffs pic.twitter.com/Op4CITT9tA
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) January 9, 2025
“Sam, 12 good quarters. That’s all it’s gonna take, 12 good quarters. Think about Joe Flacco. Joe Flacco, signed his contract before there were fifth-year options of the first-round pick. The Ravens did not believe in Joe Flacco.
“They made him play out his contract. He had an incredible playoff run, 11 touchdowns, (and) no interceptions. He was the first $120 million quarterback in the National Football League history,” added Acho.
Darnold’s Playoff Debut Venue Could Be Changed
As all of us are aware the city of Los Angeles is engulfed by the Palisades fire. While efforts are continuously being made to control and extinguish the fire, the playoff game between the Vikings and the Rams is in jeopardy.
As such, the NFL released a statement sending their prayers to the victims of the fires and highlighting the efforts of first responders. They also touched upon the viability of the football match on Monday night.
“We continue to prepare to play the Vikings-Rams game as scheduled Monday night at SoFi Stadium,” the statement read. “As with all games, there are contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed. In this instance, the game would be played on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, if necessary.”