Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold completed 18-of-25 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns in the Vikings’ 30-20, Week 8 loss to the Rams.

It’s a clean box score, but Darnold didn’t have a whole lot to offer after two touchdown drives to begin the game. That, of course, is far from nothing, but he took several poor sacks and was hammered for a game-ending safety. He had a quibble on that one, however, as the end zone official missed a blatant facemask. That gripe notwithstanding, Darnold also had a hard time linking up with Justin Jefferson after finding him five times on drives one and two. Darnold continues to display his arm talent, but some of the old decision-making and awareness issues are rearing their ugly head. That’s a problem that could get worse with LT Christian Darrisaw departing with a knee issue this evening. Darnold now has 10 days to rest up for a plus matchup with the Colts.