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Minnesota Vikings' Sam Darnold Not Satisfied After Chicago Bears Win

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold continued his string of success against the Bears’ 11th-ranked scoring defense in a 30-12 win on Monday Night Football. The former USC Trojans star toughness and arm talent shined through as he was able to be clutch on third down and spread the ball to various playmakers.
Kyron Samuels|
Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

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The Minnesota Vikings dazzled on Monday Night Football, improved to 12-2 on the season, and kept their No. 1 seed chances alive after a 30-12 home victory over NFC North foe the Chicago Bears. Quarterback Sam Darnold continued his string of success, having another solid game, this time against the Bears’ 11th-ranked scoring defense. Darnold’s pocket presence and arm talent shined through as he was able to be clutch on third downs and spread the ball around. 

“Felt like we didn’t okay exactly how we wanted to on offense tonight. We can be better in a lot of ways, but we got the job done and that’s all that matters,” said Darnold in the post-game press conference.

Darnold finished the night 24/40 for 231 passing yards, one touchdown pass, and one interception. The interception came on a fourth-down play in plus territory where the Vikings held a 10-0 lead. While they all count in the stat sheet the same, this wasn’t a mistake on Darnold’s part; it was an inconsequential throw on a dead play that Darnold tried to keep alive instead of killing the down. It’s a common phrase in those situations, but it was essentially a “pooch” punt. 

“This game happens fast. Every play is its own. You know, you’re always going to have opportunities to make big plays. Especially with the offensive that we have. The players that we have. You just have to play every play as its own,” Darnold continued when asked about his ability to compartmentalize after a negative play.

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Current Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins had a 103.8 passer rating last season for the Vikings. Sam Darnold has a mark of 104.9 this year. Per OptaStats, no other team in NFL history has, in one offseason, lost a qualifying quarterback with a 100 or better passer rating but added another who duplicated the feat the next season. Darnold hasn’t just been solid; he’s been exceptional so far. 

In another awesome, head-scratching stat, Sam Darnold has 29 passing touchdowns this season for the Vikings. That’s tied for fifth place in the National Football League. From 2020-2023, Darnold only had 27 passing touchdowns with multiple teams. To say this is a career-best year for Darnold would be an understatement, to say the least. 

There’s still plenty to clean up, and some throws he’d like to have back, but the Minnesota Vikings are 12-2 and have clinched a playoff berth. Expectations have been surpassed by any realistic stretch of the imagination. With three games remaining, the Vikings still have an opportunity to not only win the NFC North but clinch the No. 1 seed and have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.


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Kyron Samuels
KYRON SAMUELS

Kyron Samuels is a former college and professional football player now a writer, analyst, & digital host. Kyron is a writer for USC Trojans on SI and contributes to Oregon Ducks on SI. A graduate and letterman at Jacksonville State University, Samuels was a three-year starter, two-time all-conference, and won three consecutive conference titles. After a four-year professional stint between the AFL & XFL, Samuels retired from football. In 2022, Samuels was inducted into the Fairhope Athletic Hall of Fame. Post-playing career, Samuels has become a credentialed sports media member covering the NFL, UFL, USFL, & college football. The NFL Combine, Reese’s Senior Bowl, & East-West Shrine Bowl are amongst the events Kyron has covered. As a guest and host, Samuels has been featured on ESPNRadio, FoxSportsRadio, & IHeartRadio. Outside of sports media, Samuels works as a scouting consultant and has experience coaching at the collegiate level.

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