Minnesota Vikings' historic 14-win season ends abruptly with 27-9 playoff loss to Rams

The Minnesota Vikings entered Monday’s playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams as the NFL’s first-ever 14-win wild card team. However, their Cinderella season came to an abrupt end with a 27-9 loss. “All that matters when you have a good season is what you do in the playoffs,” said quarterback Sam Darnold, 27, after his first playoff start. “In the NFL, you only get one season with one team all together. Today wasn’t our day. It’s as simple as that.” From the start, the Rams’ defense overwhelmed Darnold in a game that had been moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Darnold faced relentless pressure, tying a playoff record with nine sacks for a loss of 82 yards. The Rams’ defense also forced two pivotal turnovers: one interception and a fumble returned for a touchdown. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell emphasized the loss wasn’t on any one player. “That’s a ‘we’ thing. That’s all of us,” O’Connell said. “Could I have coached better? I promise you I could have.” Still, Darnold held himself accountable. “I feel like a lot of the sacks today were on me,” admitted Darnold, who finished with 245 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. “It’s on me to feel that pressure, step up, move, run for a first down, or just throw it away.” After two seasons as a backup, Darnold enjoyed a career resurgence this year, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record—their best regular-season finish since 1998. With offensive stars like wide receiver Justin Jefferson and running back Aaron Jones, both of whom surpassed 1,000 yards this season, the team seemed poised for a deep playoff run. However, a late-season slump, including a costly loss to the Detroit Lions that cost them the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed, ended their momentum. “It doesn’t feel real,” said Jones, who managed just 48 yards on 13 carries. “I was definitely expecting to play next week.” The Vikings fell into an early 10-0 hole, as the Rams opened the game with a touchdown and a field goal in the first seven minutes. Minnesota responded with a field goal to narrow the deficit to 10-3. Momentum briefly swung their way when they strip-sacked Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, leading to what seemed like a defensive touchdown. However, the call was overturned after officials ruled it an incomplete pass. “I know Stafford pretty well,” said O’Connell, who was Stafford’s offensive coordinator during the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl run. “I know when he’s trying to throw and when he’s not, but that was the explanation I got. We just had to keep playing.” The Vikings’ next possessions unraveled. Darnold threw an interception to Rams defensive back Cobie Durant, and shortly after, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon sacked him, forcing a fumble that Jared Verse returned 57 yards for a touchdown. By halftime, the Vikings trailed 24-3, and their chances were slipping away. Darnold’s lone touchdown, a 26-yard pass to tight end T.J. Hockenson in the third quarter, came too late to change the outcome. “We didn’t do enough to win. That’s what happens in this league,” said safety Josh Metellus, fighting back tears. “We had a special group. This is one of the best teams I’ve ever been on. The sky was the limit for us.” Jones echoed the sentiment. “We played our butts off this year, and everyone left it on the field today. It’s just heartbreaking knowing this group won’t be the same next year.” Darnold is set to become a free agent after completing his one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings. While his strong regular-season performance may help him secure a starting job, his struggles in the final two games could affect his prospects. “I’m not worried about that right now,” Darnold said. “Today is about reflecting on what I could have done better and spending time with my teammates.” Wide receiver Justin Jefferson remained confident in the team’s future despite the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position. “It’s not my job to decide who the quarterback will be,” said Jefferson, who was limited to five receptions for 58 yards in the game. “I trust myself to perform no matter who’s under center.” O’Connell praised Darnold’s resilience and leadership throughout the season. “Two bad games don’t erase the incredible season he had,” O’Connell said. “The journey Sam and I went on this year will always have a special place in my heart.”