Hey football fans, let’s talk about the Viking’s signal-caller who just can’t catch a break! Sam Darnold seems to be living in everyone’s head rent-free these days, and not in a good way. But here’s the thing – what did the guy do to deserve all this shade? First, folks were all worked up when the Vikings decided to keep him around (cue the dramatic gasps!), with some fans daydreaming about rookie sensation J.J. McCarthy instead. And now? People are clutching their pearls because he’s Pro Bowl bound! I mean, come on – has anyone actually been watching his games? The man’s been slinging the pigskin like he means business!

Recently, Stephen A. Smith jumped on the Sam Darnold criticism train, questioning his Pro Bowl selection. Ahead of the Lions vs. Vikings game, Smith downplayed the Vikings QB’s success and raised doubts about his performance. Not only did Smith throw some harsh criticism in Darnold’s way, but he also sarcastically compared him to legends like Dan Marino and Dan Fouts. ” We know he’s had a stellar season, etc. The man has a throw for 300 yards since November 24th against Chicago. I mean, I’m just throwing it out there. I mean, we act like let’s not act like this is the second coming to Dan Marino and we just see him flinging passes all over the place. You know, it’s I mean, you got Jefferson, you got Addison, and all of a sudden, it’s a core yell,” said Smith.

It seems like Stephen missed the games against the Falcons and Packers, where the Vikings QB threw for over 300+ yards. Till now, Sam has racked up 4,153 yards with 35 TDs to his name in the 16 games he has played so far. The guy is in the race with the league’s top QBs like Lamar Jackson. Let’s be real, the Vikings QB has performed even better than Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes.

And that’s why Vikings and Sam’s fans aren’t having it. Responding to Smith’s harsh criticism of the QB, one user on X wrote, “@stephenasmith maybe check your stats before spouting nonsense. Darnold has thrown for 347 against Atlanta and 377 yards against Green Bay.  Still can’t admit you were wrong about him.”

Vikings fans aren’t the only ones backing their QB, his fellow teammate has also extended his support to Sam.

Vikings WR defends Sam Darnold

The whole world might be against Sam Darnold, but his teammates and coach are always gonna have his back. Recently, Vikings WR Justin Jefferson was asked what he thinks about his QB making it to the Pro Bowl, and the 25-year-old was quick to back him up. “That’s big, I feel more for him to be a footballer than me. For him to go through what he has gone through and for him to come here to have 14 wins to be a pro gamer. And pretty sure he is gonna be an all-player as well… I am just excited to see that from the inside out,” said Jefferson. 

Besides Jefferson, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has been a strong supporter of Sam all season long. He’s had the QB’s back through thick and thin, and honestly, that support is well-deserved. After all, Sam’s helped lead the team to 14 wins, putting them right up there with the Lions. After the recent win over the Packers in Week 17, O’Connell couldn’t help but share a powerful appreciation message for his QB. “Hey, so you’re playing your absolute a– off… Keep making great decisions, man. You’re balling. I’m so freaking proud of you, man.”

Now, whether people like it or not, Sam’s headed to the Pro Bowl (big win for him). But before that, he’s got a huge task ahead. The QB has to secure the final win for the team to clinch the divisional title. It’s not going to be easy though, because they’re up against the Lions, who have been ruling the NFC North for most of the season.