Former USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings dropped their second consecutive sport with a 30-20 highway loss towards the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. The Vikings dropped to 5-2 total, and the Rams, who acquired pivotal gamers like extensive receivers Puka Nakua and Cooper Kupp again in motion, moved to 3-4 and have their second straight win. The Thursday Night time Soccer sport was nicely performed for essentially the most half, however the sport wasn’t with out controversy.
The Rams led 28-20 with lower than two minutes remaining on the clock in regulation, and the Vikings had the ball backed up on their five-yard line. On what can be the deciding play of the sport, Sam Darnold was sacked within the endzone by defensive finish Byron Younger, leading to a security. Nonetheless, the replay confirmed a blatant facemask penalty on Darnold that was missed. Younger even threw his arms on his head, acknowledging the grave mistake he’d simply made, but no flag ever got here out.
“It’s what it’s. We might’ve carried out lots to not put ourselves within the scenario we have been in. So, we’ve simply acquired to proceed to play higher and never put ourselves in that place to start with.” mentioned Darnold within the post-game press convention.
The NFL has had an officiating downside for years, nevertheless it’s a majority of these conditions that particularly drive spectators, gamers, and coaches alike to lose their minds. Statistically talking, the percentages have been towards the Minnesota Vikings driving the size of the sector, scoring a landing, and in addition changing the two-point conversion efficiently. That’s immaterial, although. The Vikings have been robbed of the chance to at the least have the prospect to take action.
Referee thought Sam Darnold determined to only twist his personal head off. No facemask. Simply Darnold attempting to go full Exorcist on the market. Yikes. pic.twitter.com/ba7EDjodAQ
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) October 25, 2024
The previous USC Trojan, Darnold performed a stable ball sport towards a hungry Rams protection and pass-rush assault. Darnold was 18/25 for 240 yards and two touchdowns. The Vikings’ offense got here out of the gate, firing on all cylinders and scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions. The offense solely mustered two discipline objectives after that. One within the third quarter and one within the fourth quarter. Darnold was sacked thrice and pressured a handful of different snaps.
Beginning left sort out Christian Darrisaw left the sport with a leg damage proper earlier than halftime, and the ramifications have been felt because the Rams’ go rush imposed its will on Darnold and the Vikings’ go safety. It was a tricky loss for the Vikings, however the season is way from over. Sam Darnold has performed nicely sufficient to show he’s the person to steer the Vikings. The staff merely has to reap the benefits of its alternatives in crunch time.
They’ll have an prolonged break after taking part in on a brief week. The Vikings want it as they’re banged up, however every little thing continues to be in entrance of them as a staff.
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