Darnold breaks NFL record in Vikings' win
Sam Darnold continued his remarkable season, guiding the Minnesota Vikings to a 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The win marks Darnold’s 14th of the season, setting an NFL record for the most victories by a quarterback in their first season with a team. The Vikings improved to 14-2 and secured a high-stakes Week 18 matchup against the Detroit Lions to determine the NFC North champion and top seed in the playoffs.
Darnold threw for a career-high 377 yards and three touchdowns, completing 33 of 43 passes. His precision and composure in high-pressure moments highlighted why the Vikings entrusted him as their starter after rookie J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending injury.
More than 100 people crowded the Vikings’ locker room, waiting for Darnold to return from postgame interviews. After speaking with Fox Sports’ Tom Rinaldi and receiving the “LFG” trophy from Tom Brady, Darnold entered to a raucous celebration. Linebacker Jonathan Greenard led the charge, with teammates dousing Darnold in water and hoisting him onto their shoulders.
“It was mayhem,” Darnold said. “I think I blacked out when [players] grabbed me and lifted me up. I didn’t know what to do with my hands in that situation, Ricky Bobby-style.”
The scene reflected the impact Darnold has had on the team, not just as a player but as a leader.
Darnold’s 377 passing yards pushed him past the 4,000-yard mark for the first time in his career. His three touchdown passes on Sunday brought his season total to 35, the fourth-highest in NFL history for a quarterback in their debut season with a team.
Coach Kevin O’Connell praised Darnold’s consistency: “He’s playing quarterback at a very, very high level and has been for the majority of the season. You can tell by the way the locker room responds to him and the trust I have when calling plays.”
O’Connell’s faith in Darnold was evident late in the game. With the Packers cutting the lead to two points in the fourth quarter, the Vikings relied on Darnold’s arm to close out the game. He completed four of six passes on their final two drives, including a crucial 6-yard pass to Cam Akers on third-and-2, sealing the victory.
Running back Cam Akers, who played a pivotal role in the game’s final moments, spoke highly of Darnold: “He deserves that. He’s put in a lot of work to be here, and we’re all behind him.”
The Vikings’ offense showcased its depth, with four players recording at least five receptions and 60 receiving yards. Justin Jefferson led with 92 yards on eight catches, while Jalen Nailor, Jordan Addison, and Akers each found the end zone.
Read More: Week 17 Monday Night Football Lions vs. 49ers Injury Report: Who’s in, Who’s out?
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