The Minnesota Vikings celebrated their ninth consecutive victory after a thrilling 27-25 win over the Green Bay Packers, with quarterback Sam Darnold shining brightly. Darnold achieved a personal-best of 377 passing yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his remarkable performance that has revitalized his career. Coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his admiration for Darnold, highlighting how he has maximized his opportunities and earned the respect of his teammates.
The Vikings, now with a 14-2 record, are gearing up for a decisive matchup against the Detroit Lions that will determine the NFC North title and potentially secure home-field advantage in the playoffs. The team's defense, led by linebacker Blake Cashman, played a crucial role in stifling Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who struggled to find his rhythm throughout the game.
Darnold’s impressive performance included touchdown passes to Jalen Nailor, Jordan Addison, and Cam Akers, bringing his total to 35 touchdowns this season, placing him fourth in NFL history for a debut season with a team. The locker room erupted in celebration as Darnold returned from a post-game interview with Tom Brady, highlighting the camaraderie and excitement within the Vikings’ squad.
Despite a valiant effort from the Packers, including a late touchdown pass from Love to Malik Heath, they fell short, marking their fifth loss against top NFC teams this season. Love acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing the importance of playing cleaner and starting games faster. The Packers will look to regroup as they prepare for their final regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
