A tragedy in Minnesota?
Sam Darnold appears set to leave Minnesota after losing to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football.
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings handles a loss against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card playoffs at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
While the Minnesota Vikings can request a contract extension at any time, Darnold’s miserable performance against the Rams solidified rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy’s future as the Vikings franchise QB’s top horse.
READ: NFL fans react to Sam Darnold’s crushing first-round exit with the Vikings
McCarthy (the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft) faced a highly anticipated 2024 season until a year-ending injury occurred during the preseason.
Sam Darnold, who was playing on a one-year contract in 2024, impressed Minnesota by going 14-3 in the regular season.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy. Photo: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Darnold, the former No. 3 overall draft pick, has enjoyed a resurgence this year — a campaign that fell apart Monday night, and apparently celebrating afterward was JJ McCarthy.
Michigan’s national championship QB last year posted a mysterious phrase on his social media right after the Vikings’ 27-9 loss.
“Amor fati,” McCarthy posted on X, confusing 99 percent of football fans until a quick translation hinted at a bigger message in the reference.
“Amor fati” is a Latin expression meaning “love destiny.”
MINNEAPOLIS – JJ McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings watches the game against the Indianapolis Colts at US Bank Stadium on November 3, 2024. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
If the interpretation is valid, McCarthy looked thrilled by the idea of Darnold being forced out of Minnesota, which is the rightful punishment for Darnold for holding the ball far too long in a collapsing pocket against the Rams defense.
Darnold was seeing ghosts and allowed the Rams defense to total nine sacks, tying the NFL playoff record.
Darnold completed 25 of 40 pass attempts for 245 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also lost a fumble for a Rams scoop and score in the first half.
One man’s mistake may be another man’s victory… (to paraphrase a different expression).
Could McCarthy be suggesting he’s ready to be the hero, kick Darnold out of the top spot and get Kevin O’Connell out of this rut they’re in? Destiny will tell us.
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