After defeating a division rival to improve their record to 14-2, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all showdown in Detroit during Week 18, the Minnesota Vikings celebrated their quarterback, Sam Darnold, in a jubilant locker room scene. Teammates eagerly awaited his arrival, drenching him with water and hoisting him triumphantly into the air.
“It was pure chaos,” Darnold recounted of the moment following the Vikings’ narrow 27-25 victory over Green Bay. “I think I blacked out when Aaron Jones lifted me up.”
Referencing the comedic 2006 film Talladega Nights, Darnold humorously added, “I didn’t know what to do with my hands in that moment—total Ricky Bobby style. It was surreal but amazing to feel that kind of camaraderie from my teammates.”
The quarterback’s performance on Sunday was equally remarkable. Darnold recorded a career-high 377 passing yards, throwing three touchdowns with one interception. This was his sixth game in 2024 with three or more passing touchdowns—a feat he had only achieved four times in his prior six NFL seasons.
The 27-year-old showcased his ability to evade pressure and make sharp decisions. When star receiver Justin Jefferson was initially held in check, Darnold effectively distributed the ball to multiple targets, including Jalen Nailor (5 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD), Jordan Addison (6 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD), and T.J. Hockenson (5 catches, 68 yards). Jefferson eventually found his rhythm, ending with a game-high 92 yards on eight receptions. Altogether, Darnold connected with eight different receivers in the game.
“I’m so proud of Sam,” said Aaron Jones. “Outside this locker room, not many believed in him or gave him a chance, but he’s proven everyone wrong. It’s amazing to see.”
Darnold’s stellar season includes 12 games with multiple passing touchdowns, the second-most in the NFL this year behind Joe Burrow. He also tied the Vikings’ single-season record for such games, set by Kirk Cousins in 2020 and 2021. His 13 games with a passer rating over 100 rank among the best single-season performances since 1950, rivaling only Aaron Rodgers’ 2020 MVP campaign.
“Watching him maximize his opportunity has been incredible,” said Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. “This team admires him for it, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed coaching him.”
O’Connell’s confidence in Darnold was evident late in the game. With the outcome hanging in the balance, O’Connell called for three passes to keep the Packers at bay. Darnold delivered with composure, completing all three throws—including a clutch pass to Cam Akers, who secured a first down to seal the victory.
“We can afford to be aggressive because he’s such a smart decision-maker,” O’Connell said. “Right now, he’s playing at an elite level.”
Thanks to Darnold’s leadership, the Vikings are on the brink of clinching the No. 1 seed in the NFC. A win in Detroit next Sunday could lead to celebrations far grander than just a locker room water shower.
