DETROIT, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 13: The Detroit Lions enter the field before a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field on August 13, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Sam Darnold’s Struggles in Vikings’ Blowout Loss to Lions: A Critical Test Ahead in the Playoffs
On January 6, 2025, Sam Darnold’s performance in the Minnesota Vikings’ blowout loss to the Detroit Lions became the story of the night. The Vikings, who had been riding high on a Pro Bowl-caliber performance from their quarterback, suffered a humbling 31-9 defeat that exposed serious flaws in their offense. Darnold, who had been playing at a high level entering the game, turned in his worst outing of the season. He threw for just 166 yards, completing only 43.9% of his passes, and failed to score a touchdown for the first time since Week 10 of the season. The performance was an ugly setback, especially with the Vikings needing a strong showing to build momentum heading into the playoffs.
This loss to the Lions highlighted a number of issues for the Vikings, from missed opportunities in the red zone to questionable coaching decisions, and ultimately, a defense that couldn’t hold up as the game progressed. But it was Darnold’s inability to execute in critical moments that dominated the narrative. As the Vikings now prepare for their Wild Card matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, Darnold and his teammates are left to address the demons from this disastrous outing.
The Red Zone Struggles: A Major Factor in the Loss
The Vikings’ inability to finish drives in the red zone was one of the most critical factors in their defeat. Throughout the game, they had four red zone opportunities but managed to convert none into touchdowns. Instead, they settled for two field goals and turned the ball over on downs twice.
This inefficiency allowed the Lions to maintain a stranglehold on the game, preventing Minnesota from capitalizing on even the few chances they had. Darnold himself admitted that the team’s failure to convert in the red zone played a significant role in their inability to mount any kind of comeback.
“You can’t go out there and kick field goals in the red zone against a team like the Lions,” Darnold said after the game. “Our defense played great and kept us in the game, but we didn’t finish when we had the chance.” His words were a reflection of the frustration that permeated the Vikings’ locker room postgame. Missed opportunities early in the contest allowed the Lions to establish momentum, which only grew stronger as the game wore on. By the time the Vikings were able to gain some offensive rhythm, the Lions had already built an insurmountable lead, including three straight touchdown drives in the second half.
While Darnold and the Vikings’ offense certainly played a role in the loss, the red zone failures amplified the difficulty of their comeback attempts. The inability to convert in those crucial situations became a microcosm of the team’s overall struggles during the game.
Aaron Glenn’s Defensive Game Plan: Relentless Pressure on Darnold
Entering Week 18, Darnold had been playing at a Pro Bowl level and leading the Vikings to a surprising playoff berth. But against the Lions, Detroit’s defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, devised a game plan that exposed Darnold’s weaknesses, particularly under pressure. The Lions’ blitz-heavy approach caused Darnold to regress to his old form with the New York Jets—an era that fans and analysts alike hoped was behind him.
Glenn dialed up relentless pressure, blitzing Darnold on more than half of his dropbacks—55.6%, to be exact. This was one of the highest rates of the season for Darnold, and it had a noticeable effect on his play. The pressure impacted nearly 49% of his dropbacks, and the numbers reflect how difficult it was for him to make effective decisions. Darnold struggled with his accuracy, especially in the red zone, where the blitz forced him into hurried throws and poor decision-making.
The Lions employed a Cover 0 defense—a full blitz—more than any other team had done against Darnold all year. In fact, Darnold completed just five passes out of those dropbacks, a figure that highlights how effectively Detroit’s defense overwhelmed him. The Vikings were unable to adjust, and Darnold was often left scrambling to find open receivers while under duress. The blitz caused him to miss throws, rush decisions, and turn the ball over at key moments. Detroit’s defensive game plan not only disrupted Darnold’s rhythm but also nullified any opportunities the Vikings’ offense had to get back into the game.
Coaching Decisions and Defensive Failures
While Darnold’s struggles were certainly the focal point of the loss, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell came under scrutiny for his coaching decisions and his delayed response to the Lions’ defensive strategy. Throughout the game, O’Connell seemed to struggle in adapting to Detroit’s blitz-heavy approach. At times, the Vikings’ offensive line was overwhelmed by the pressure, and Darnold had little time to go through his progressions.
O’Connell, to his credit, remained composed after the loss, emphasizing the team’s resilience throughout the season. “You can’t win nine in a row and then lose one and let it change how we operate,” O’Connell said postgame. “But that also doesn’t mean you can’t improve and have late-season improvement when you’ve been playing really good football.” His comments were aimed at putting the loss in perspective, reminding his players that their regular-season success had earned them a playoff berth. However, the loss raised questions about how well O’Connell and his staff are prepared to handle defensive schemes like Detroit’s, especially when it comes to adjusting on the fly.
O’Connell’s ability to make in-game adjustments will be tested in the Wild Card Round against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams, much like the Lions, have a formidable defense that could exploit Darnold’s inconsistencies under pressure. If O’Connell is unable to make the necessary adjustments, the Vikings could find themselves on the wrong side of another disappointing postseason result.
Darnold’s Future and the Wild Card Round
Despite the loss, Darnold and the Vikings remain in a strong position to contend in the playoffs. Darnold reflected on the season’s achievements and the opportunity ahead, saying, “Losing sucks, but it is what it is. We did a lot of great things this season, and now we have an opportunity to go to the playoffs and play another really good team in Los Angeles.” His focus on the future is indicative of the mindset the Vikings need as they move into the postseason.
Darnold’s 2024 season had shown promise, with the Vikings defying expectations and securing a playoff spot. The loss to the Lions was a significant setback, but it’s possible that it’s nothing more than a minor blip. Darnold has proven he can perform at a high level, and with a more tailored offensive game plan, he has the potential to bounce back in a big way. The pressure will be on him in the Wild Card Round against the Rams, but the Vikings’ season is far from over.
If Darnold can shake off his struggles from the Lions game and execute under pressure, he has the chance to prove that his earlier Pro Bowl-level play was no fluke. The upcoming Wild Card Round will be a defining moment for both Darnold and the Vikings as they look to turn their season around after a humbling defeat. How Darnold responds will likely determine how far the Vikings can go in the playoffs.
