Sam Darnold mobbed by Vikings teammates after 27-25 win over Packers to go 14-2
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Sam Darnold took a little longer than usual to get to the Minnesota Vikings’ locker room after Sunday’s 27-25 win over the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The wait was worth it. He had an extended conversation with Tom Brady, who was the TV analyst calling the game for FOX.
"It’s OK to say it, I know I was taking forever. Just like I do after the game every time," Darnold joked. "To be able to talk to the best to ever do it, it’s always special. I don’t take stuff like that for granted ever."
Vikings locker room reacts to 27-25 win over Packers, 14-2 record
Vikings players Jalen Nailor, Brian O'Neill, Aaron Jones, Cam Bynum, Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Cam Akers, Josh Metellus and Blake Cashman react from the locker room after a 27-25 win over the Packers on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings are 14-2, have won 9 straight and face the Detroit Lions next week for the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The celebration
How it happened: When he got to the locker room as the Vikings improved to 14-2, won their ninth straight and gave themselves a chance to win the NFC North Division next weekend, his teammates mobbed him with water bottles. Aaron Jones hoisted him on his shoulders like a hero, a moment Darnold probably never thought would happen when he signed with Minnesota last offseason.
Darnold threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns in Sunday’s win.
"A lot of water bottles, a lot of water. It was mayhem, I think I blacked out when Aaron Jones grabbed me and then lifted me up. I didn’t know what to do with my hands in that situation. Ricky Bobby style," Darnold said. "It was an interesting moment, but a fun moment to be embraced by your teammates like that."
Kevin O’Connell sounded like a proud dad talking about Darnold after his latest performance. He now has 4,153 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, both single-season career-highs.
"Phenomenal moment in the locker room after the game when he finally made it in there, it was really cool. I’m just so proud of him. There’s so many things that lead into moments like this for Sam, since he became a Minnesota Viking," O’Connell said. "Just to see how he’s ultimately been able to maximize everything about his opportunity, our football team loves him for it."
Cam Akers to the rescue
How it happened: The Vikings had a 27-10 lead after Darnold hit Jordan Addison for an 18-yard touchdown, and Cam Akers for a score from nine yards out near the end of the third quarter. The Packers rallied with 15 points on touchdowns from Emmanuel Wilson and Malik Heath to cut the lead to 27-25 with 2:18 to play.
Needing first downs to run out the clock, Darnold hit C.J. Ham for one first down. He then hit Akers for five yards on third-and-3, and the Vikings could run out the clock. Darnold lofted the pass up, it hung in the air and Akers snagged it before it could hit the turf for a game-clinching first down. If Akers doesn't make the catch, the Vikings have to punt and the Packers would've gotten the chance to drive for a game-winning field goal.
"That ball felt like it was in the air for absolutely ever. Sam threw a lot of balls tonight, that one probably stressed me out the most out of his 43 attempts," O’Connell said. "What a play by Cam Akers, to say what that guy has been through, I hope fans understand just how significant what he’s been through has been and how he wanted to be a Minnesota Viking. He made the play when we absolutely needed it."
Akers returned to the Vikings after his 2023 season ended with a torn Achilles for the second time in his career.
"It wasn’t an easy catch, but it was a catchable catch. It touched my hands, so I wanted to be reliable for Sam and the team. I’m thankful I could be," Akers said.
Jalen Nailor also had a big day for the Vikings, with five catches for 81 yards and a second quarter touchdown, his sixth of the season.
Defense hits ‘We’re All in this Together' dance
The Vikings’ defense came up with the first big play of the game. Jerry Tillery forced a Josh Jacobs fumble on the Packers' opening possession, which Cam Bynum recovered.
The Vikings then celebrated with the "We’re All in this Together" dance from High School Musical. The Vikings have 31 takeaways on the season, including nine on fumble recoveries. They also have at least one takeaway in every game this season, the only team in the NFL to do that this year.
What's next?
Why it matters: The Lions face the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football, with the result not meaning much after the Vikings' win. Minnesota and Detroit will play for the division title, a first round bye and home field next weekend on Sunday Night Football at Ford Field, regardless of what happens between the Lions and 49ers.
Sunday's win means the Vikings would finish with the No. 5 seed if they lose to the Lions next weekend. If they win, they'll have home field in the playoffs until the Super Bowl.