The Minnesota Vikings appeared nearly unstoppable for most of last year, with quarterback Sam Darnold playing a major role in their success. However, the final weeks of the 2024 season revealed significant struggles, especially against the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams, which contributed to their disappointing collapse. Darnold now openly takes responsibility for the team’s late-season failures.

The Vikings finished the 2024 regular season with a strong 14-3 record but lost twice to Detroit and once to Los Angeles. Their final loss to the Lions in Week 18 pushed Minnesota into the No. 5 seed for the playoffs. During the Super Wildcard Weekend, they faced a rested Rams team that had benched many starters in their final game, and the Vikings were soundly defeated 27-9, ending their postseason run in a humiliating fashion.

Sam Darnold Accepts Responsibility for Team’s Offensive Failures

After signing a $10 million prove-it contract with the Vikings, Darnold’s performance earned him a $100.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks in the off-season. Despite his new wealth and upcoming role as a starter for an NFC rival, Darnold remains troubled by how the Vikings faltered late in the season.

He openly admitted his frustration with the team’s offense during that crucial stretch, stating,

“For lack of a better term, we laid an egg as an offense,”

—Sam Darnold, quarterback. He expressed personal disappointment by adding,

“I feel like I could have played way better,”

and

“I feel like if I would have just played better, I would’ve been able to give the team a chance.”

Darnold’s willingness to shoulder much of the blame is seen by fans and experts as an honest reflection of the struggles that ultimately cost the Vikings a deeper playoff run. Yet, the collapse was not caused solely by his play.

Ongoing Offensive Line Problems Weighed on Vikings’ Late Season

The Vikings’ offensive line was significantly exposed, particularly in their losses to the Lions and Rams. Key injuries and weaknesses in the interior line left Darnold vulnerable. Notably, the team missed elite left tackle Christian Darrisaw due to a season-ending knee injury, which contributed to the quarterback being sacked multiple times—twice against Detroit and a staggering nine times against Los Angeles in the Wildcard Round.

In response to these concerns, Minnesota worked aggressively during the offseason to improve its protection upfront. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah led the charge in signing free agents guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly to substantial contracts. Additionally, the Vikings invested a first-round pick on Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson, signaling a strong commitment to fixing the offensive line for the upcoming year.

Critical Coaching Decisions Played Role in Vikings’ Collapse

Head coach Kevin O’Connell, known across the NFL as a talented offensive strategist and quarterback mentor, also faces scrutiny for the Vikings’ breakdown. O’Connell, a former assistant to Rams’ head coach Sean McVay—the very opponent responsible for two decisive defeats last season—did not outmaneuver his former boss in key matchups.

In Week 18, the Rams opted to rest most starters after securing a playoff spot, arriving at the Wildcard Round much fresher. Meanwhile, the Vikings played nearly all their veterans on the road in a high-stakes game against Detroit, fighting for the division title and a first-round bye. This decision left Minnesota’s key players fatigued, which some believe was a costly error.

The combination of physical wear and strategic missteps compelled the Vikings to rethink their approach. Moving into the 2025 season, O’Connell and the coaching staff must develop a plan that balances player health with competitive urgency, particularly as they turn to second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is yet to make his regular-season NFL debut.

Looking Ahead: Vikings Seek Redemption After Bitter Ending

The disappointment of Minnesota’s collapse in the closing weeks of 2024 has set a somber tone for the franchise’s offseason. Sam Darnold’s candid admission highlights the personal and collective frustration felt within the organization. Meanwhile, efforts to bolster the offensive line demonstrate the front office’s commitment to preventing a repeat of last year’s shortcomings.

As the Vikings prepare for the new NFL campaign, they face the challenge of integrating promising young talent like McCarthy while refining coaching strategies under Kevin O’Connell’s leadership. Addressing these areas will be crucial if Minnesota hopes to convert its regular season success into playoff victories and ultimately contend for a Super Bowl.