It seems like the wildfire wasn’t able to hold back the Los Angeles Rams from marching forward. It was a jaw-dropping victory over the Vikings, as they were crushed 27-9 in the final game of the NFL wild-card round. The Rams tied the NFL playoff record with 7 sacks, completely butchering the Viking’s offense. The defense has 15 turnovers in their last four games, with an average of just 12.5 points per game. On the offense line, Matthew Stafford completed 73% of passes for 285 yards with 2 touchdowns. The Rams didn’t just make a place in the divisional round but made a statement. ‘The most balanced and dangerous teams in the playoffs.’

The Viking’s locker room was a sea of emotion after their disappointing loss. It must be hard on them not just as a team, but as individuals as well. When you play with a team, they aren’t just your mates on the ground, they are family. And the players are aware that each year, they have to bid farewell to one of their brothers. This time, Harrison Smith is the one who will be hanging the cleats. Josh Metellus, teary-eyed, expressed his thoughts on FOX 9, saying, “Today was our last day all being together. We didn’t do enough to win, and that’s what happened in this thing.” 

The thoughts of retirement have been on Harrison’s mind since last year. He chose to stay for one last ride in the 2024 season. He was able to stand his ground with 87 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 10 pass defenses. The six-time Pro Bowl selection and one-time All-Pro is likely to be a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame. No doubt, The Vikings will soon induct him into their Ring of Honor. However, the way his journey ended with the Vikings is undeniably a sad way to go.

Josh wasn’t the only one feeling emotional after the loss. Aaron Jones and T.J. Hockenson shared similar sentiments. Aaron Jones reflected on how quickly teams change and expressed appreciation for the brotherhood, saying, “Teams change year after year. So, like you said, it is a true brotherhood in this locker room. And, you know, some guys may not be back, yet you feel it.” Aaron shared these thoughts on Fox 9. T.J. also weighed in, saying, “You know, I’ve never had a connection like this in a locker room before.” Some win, some lose, but the bonds formed are hard to let go.

Kevin O’Connell Reflects on Sam Darnold’s Struggles: Is His Future with the Vikings Over?

After the Viking’s playoff exit, the fate of their QB Sam Darnold is hanging by a string. While Sam earned his first career Pro Bowl during the regular season, his final two games have raised a question mark. Against the Lions and in the recent loss to the Rams, Darnold’s performance was not what the team expected of him. Sam Darnold completed less than 44% of passes against the Lions and was sacked 9 times against the Rams. Despite this, HC Kevin O’Connell praised his contributions over the year, while not forgetting his success in leading the Vikings to 14 wins. But he did acknowledge that the QB could have played better, leaving the door open to potential changes.

Although Kevin didn’t confirm Darnold’s future with the team, his comments seem to point towards a make-or-break fate. With the Vikings having invested in a first-round pick in QB JJ McCarthy, it seems unlikely that Sam Darnold will remain the long answer for them. Sam Darnold’s poor showing has decreased his market value, which could make him a more affordable option for the Vikings if they decide to retain him in a backup role or on a short-term deal to bridge the gap with McCarthy. However, given the Vikings’ long-term investment in McCarthy, it seems the future of Minnesota’s quarterback room rests with the rookie, and Darnold’s time in Minnesota may be nearing its end.