Part 5/7:
It is vital to celebrate Detroit’s triumph while not shying away from the fact that Minnesota displayed major shortcomings. The Vikings, despite their playoff-caliber roster, appeared to falter under significant pressure. Many noticed that consistently throughout the game, Darnold seemed rattled and uncompromised, which is reminiscent of past Vikings’ struggles against tougher opponents.
Critics highlighted that Minnesota's celebrated roster lacked the execution essential for playoff success. Various players, including the offensive line, performed below their abilities, contributing to the failed offensive attempt. This suggests a more systemic issue within the Vikings rather than solely blaming Darnold.