The Minnesota Vikings hadn’t misplaced a recreation since Week 8.
Their nine-game profitable streak got here to an finish on the worst potential time.
Greater than that, it wasn’t simply that they misplaced to the Detroit Lions for the second time this season, but additionally how they misplaced the sport.
Kevin O’Connell’s offense struggled to get a lot going, leaving factors on the board a number of instances.
That’s why Stephen A. Smith doesn’t like their possibilities with Sam Darnold.
On Monday’s version of ESPN’s “First Take,” the controversial pundit said that he didn’t belief Darnold to win within the playoffs.
.@stephenasmith says he would not belief Sam Darnold within the playoffs
“Sam Darnold has the potential to win playoff video games. … The query is, do you belief him? … HELL NO!” pic.twitter.com/RnPX0mqUMm
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 6, 2025
Whereas he argued that Darnold had a fantastic season and will win a playoff recreation, he merely didn’t belief him to take action.
He said that Darnold threw six straight incompletions within the purple zone.
Fact be advised, that’s not a good evaluation.
As a lot as Darnold has struggled in his profession, he’s appeared significantly better this season.
If something, Aaron Glenn and the Lions’ protection deserve a variety of credit score for holding the Vikings’ offense again.
They shut down Justin Jefferson and their myriad of pass-catchers, and a few of these incompletions weren’t on Darnold.
There are legitimate causes to have second ideas a couple of participant who hasn’t confirmed himself within the postseason.
However for now, Darnold deserves the advantage of the doubt, on the very least, as he’s had among the finest seasons by any quarterback within the league this 12 months.
The publish Stephen A. Smith Says Sam Darnold Can’t Be Trusted appeared first on The Chilly Wire.