In a fairytale season, Sam Darnold, thrust into the role of starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings after first-round pick J.J. McCarthy's season-ending injury, led the team to a 14-win season while playing at a Pro Bowl-caliber level he had never before approached in his NFL career.
But in a disappointing end to a brilliant season, Darnold turned back into a pumpkin on Monday night. He accounted for two turnovers and was sacked nine times in a 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round of the playoffs. The USC product was quick to point out how he could have played better in his postgame media availability.
