Sam Darnold exacts revenge as Seahawks dominate Vikings 26-0
Sam Darnold faced his former team on Sunday, putting on a show as the Seattle Seahawks overwhelmed the Minnesota Vikings with a commanding 26-0 victory at Lumen Field. While Darnold’s performance was solid, it was the Seahawks’ defense that truly shone, stifling any offensive momentum the Vikings could muster.
Darnold’s Rebound Year
Darnold’s success in Seattle is a stark contrast to his final days in Minnesota, where he helped the Vikings achieve a 14-3 record and a playoff berth just a season ago. However, this year has proven challenging for both the quarterback and the Vikings, particularly after a tough 27-9 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams. Darnold, who signed a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million contract with Seattle in the offseason, is demonstrating his value as one of the top free-agent quarterbacks available.
Vikings’ Quarterback Quandary
On the other side, the Vikings have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position. J.J. McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL, has been thrust into a challenging role. Without Darnold and with Daniel Jones now playing for the Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota has placed its hopes on an unproven second-year quarterback. This situation has only added to the team’s woes, as they grapple with their offensive struggles.
Missed Opportunities and Offers
The decision not to retain Darnold has raised eyebrows, especially in light of recent reports. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero revealed before the game that the Vikings had actually extended a similar contract offer to Darnold as the Seahawks did earlier this year. This revelation adds another layer to the narrative of Darnold’s departure and the Vikings’ current struggles, as the team now faces questions about its quarterback strategy moving forward.
As the Seahawks celebrate their decisive win, Darnold’s journey continues to highlight the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where past connections and present performances intertwine in unexpected ways.
