Kevin O’Connell on Sam Darnold's Tough Night in Detroit & Vikings Offense's Red Zone Struggles

[@KK8701ND]

I wonder what running the ball on the goal line would do....

[@burntmacaroni8989]

Ik bruh Im so done watching us throw Hail Marys on the 1 fkin yard line

[@XRudySXx]

Run ball short passes huh that’s what the lions did

[@benstevens2696]

most likely a one yard gain on 4th and 4's... still not good enough

[@XRudySXx]

Ironic

[@itzkillstreaks9053]

I wanna see it but also I feel like our running game is bad 😭

[@Devlins10]

No answers for the Lions blitzing. No disguises, no adjustments. Not a good night

[@Nikeified]

Yup

[@mnwyld1924]

@@Nikeified Sam really has to work on getting the ball out of his hands faster. QB coach?

[@Nikeified]

@@mnwyld1924 yes, I feel he was just a little to fed up, After that big win last week, They were all hyped up and then underestimated the lions, No hate on Darnold but I feel he was the reason we lost, We were in the red zone 4 times and ended up not getting a single touchdown

[@ryan-x3r]

All those weapons and no touchdowns against a beat up defense???

[@bdubs532]

Embarrassing huh

[@bdubs532]

But that's Vikings football hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha ridiculous

[@dizzotizzo69]

All about who wanted it more!

[@ifmbm332b]

JJ needed a ladder for Darnold's passes.

[@Johnhargrove18]

“Offensive guru”

[@Nick6923dnd]

I'm actually really proud of myself for not taking this loss so hard. Thanks Vikings! At least I can be proud of being numb to the same old Minnesota Vikings!

[@georgeblunt4453]

@Nick6923dnd amen....just never surprised at this point...the joy of being a vikings fan since 77.

[@ayyyitsgabriel]

@@georgeblunt4453 14-3 and in the playoffs on a rebuilding season and still complaining have some damn faith in ur team regardless🤦🏾‍♂️ skol mf vikes less win this sb

[@jaydonthomas427]

Experiencing peak vikings depression for the first time and man it was rough. I believed in the vikings so much this year

[@Nick6923dnd]

@@jaydonthomas427 this is nothing. We Havnt even got to the playoffs

[@Godless-Being]

At least you’re the sane 1 nick but consider our season over as we are going to lose to the Rams yet again

[@Skolphers]

Let’s be honest, we were all waiting for this type of loss.

[@jerrybergkamp8195]

It was expected they will lose again in the playoffs

[@bahamut458]

These guys get it

[@chrishawk4282]

Oh well. It's been fun

[@ChrisMader-u7q]

@@Skolphers funny how it felt like a playoff loss even though it wasn’t. Man, this team brings so much heartache every year 😆

[@ImGoingSupersonic]

Because their record isn't who they really are.

[@amazinc754]

I don't think KOC expected their pass rush to be this good. But we didn't adjust either. Where was the slant and short passing game! Darnold was bad but the plan didn't help him either

[@NightKnightt007]

Darnold is not good in the short game He has a big arm but not great touch on the short to intermediate throws

[@artdent6899]

..."But we didn't adjust either. Where was the slant and short passing game!" BINGO, I was saying this throughout the game. The progression took way too long, receivers trying to get too deep, no screens, etc. Didn't adjust is right!

[@historyrepeated4239]

Well said. No quick game. Few screens. And did you see how much green was in front of Sam on a few plays? QB runs don’t always have to be towards the sidelines. We did nothing to put them on their heels. In fact, we invited the pass rush/blitz. Can’t simply pass our way to a super bowl.

[@Timepeace49]

Fact. KOC just never adjust it seems. I like him but that is his biggest weakness. His adjustments just never come.

[@SKOL_4_Life]

We haven't thrown a true slant, short curl, or te screen all year. lots of drags, rb/wr screens, outs, deep posts n ins, ect..

[@markstewart7144]

Sorry coach but let’s be honest the game plan didn’t seem to go well . And you didn’t made the proper adjustments at no time during the game .. seems like it was drop back and throw long no crossers or short passes to make the game easier on the QB … we have to get better quickly

[@jackbirdman7491]

I don’t disagree but I just have to say that putting spaces before your punctuation like that is crazy

[@Smalledits-l2z]

@@jackbirdman7491that insult is making me subscribe to you😂

[@LeviO-qg9fp]

That’s right on the money seems like he forgot how to coach

[@sebastianbutler_]

Gameplan doesn't matter when the line crumbles under pressure, qb overthrows his guys on hald the throws and receivers drop manageable passes as rare as those were tonight. On top of the fact that the defense was great and just couldn't hold for 4 quarters bc of the offense. A lot more than coaching here, vikings fans always blame the coaching in this regime but always blamed kirk in the last, it's like we've learned nothing as a fanbase about football in 20 years

[@kk_33]

The Gameplan put us in position to be up like 24-7 at halftime if the QB just hit his open recievers....

[@PhoAnTell]

Darnold playing like he don’t want money

[@MikeinAustin]

His agent is drunk and crying right now

[@Richard-k1j8e]

Bet his big contract talks are going right into silence !!! Makes me sick watching Darnald holds the ball for 8. 9. 10 SECONDS!! THATS a coaching issue and a big contract killer. SKOL

[@JaxonSmithers]

People wanted to pay him before the season ended. Typically a person isn’t paid until the job is done.

[@vegasprogambler5336]

nah, he played like he DID want MASSIVE cash, got nervous and choked.

[@user-qt5eh9wb7g]

@@Richard-k1j8e I agree this is what did it. They kept going for long balls, instead of running little slants and getting some major yacs.... Defense wasn't giving that time to happen. Darnold was just off all night. Ginger-vitis.....

[@ajroc1393]

Adjust if your QB is struggling no matter how you come across. Being nice doesn't win football games.

[@TheFlex56bpp]

Im still excited for this team. Remember it was supposed to be a 6 win and under team so let's enjoy the ride. Skol Vikings

[@Brianlane-fc8js]

What ride losing be another 10 years before we win again

[@jamair22]

You got out coached in every aspect. One step behind in the biggest moment.

[@Anthony-hu3rj]

As an older Vikings fan this was much like our Super Bowl appearances.

[@g-dub5272]

I feel your pain 😩 been a fan since 98.

[@bksheba]

Yup... it was ugly.

[@lukelee3]

Never hire a bud grant type. Playoff loser.

[@danb6838]

​​@@lukelee3.....Bud was DEFINITELY there in spirit tonight!

[@BrianHegna]

Our SB QB's never had numerous overthrows and a pumpkin throwing them

[@SullyBach]

After being a Vikings fan for 52 years that's exactly what I thought was going to happen.

[@julieleber6131]

Same 🙄

[@MrMojo271]

Why couldn’t have Darnold ran the ball into the end zone? He had several opportunities to just straight in. He just sat in the red zone throwing horrible passes

[@allengexclusive6903]

100 percent agreed. He was lookin real shaky out there. 2 or 3 great passing shots for TDs and he missed everyone of them. Held the ball way too long when if it wasn't open he could of ran smh

[@kevinmcdonald1917]

KOC and Darnold are the reasons for this loss, period.

[@Financere425]

darnold wasn't ready for playoff pressure. and koc wasn't ready either. this is what happens.

[@TonyBelcher-if1pc]

This is squarely on you O'Connell. You did not change your gameplan. When the pass rush is getting to your guys, change it up. Draws, Screens, quick passes. Anything to slow down that pass rush. This is football 101. You ran the ball 16 times. You threw it 41. There was a stretch where you threw it 17 times in a row before you ran it again. That's not gonna fly. You need to fix it.

[@solidgoldDaytons]

It wouldn't have worked,lions is on another level

[@ryanp7918]

You can’t put it all on KOC when Darnold is air mailing receivers all night.

[@iamwhoiam7482]

@@ryanp7918yea you can if Darnold was air mailing all night like we saw then KOC saw it to and you stop throwing so much and run more…. Takes pressure off Darnold… That’s on KOC. 17 runs in a game is Madden shit…. That’s terrible and predictable. First down we run then we throw 15 times and run again on first down.

[@carlwilliams3260]

​@@iamwhoiam7482 I agree. I was screaming at the TV like dude come on. Cam Akers gets us inside the 5 and he threw the ball 3 times, knowing Sam was struggling. Blew my mind

[@NorthEastFilmz57]

lol our QB looked like ah rookie

[@uTubeNoITube]

Lions fan here, I'm not here to troll or gloat. I see nothing but humble, disappointed Vikings fans in the comments. On other videos all week long though I saw obnoxious SKOL fans so I'm glad there's not much of that here. You guys should still be damn proud of yourselves! 14-3 is a hell of a record! And personally I don't understand the Darnold hate. I didn't see him play a great game tonight but all season in a lot of games he's looked awesome.

[@ThepathtoValhallagetsshorterev]

It's mostly "bandwagon" fans bitching... clearly

[@TravisMaki-o5h]

Respect way u worded this

[@Buffjam]

Outcoached and got man handled at all levels.

[@christopherpederson1021]

not really, Vikings defense showed up.

[@davidb9531]

KOC is being significantly out coached against what I would call legit teams with legacy coaches

[@KevinDaku-r5x]

lol relax Minnesota looked the line better team for 40 mins of the game, close being a blowout in 1st half. Darnold was just off as was Goff but couldn’t execute the redzone

[@genediggs2498]

At least we got our answer against the lions last night. Let darnold walk. Go get a o-line. Drafting young players is what we need. SMH.

[@Thomas-rb1or]

=The Vikings literally traded a first and a fourth to trade up one spot to take JJ. Just think if you had used those 2 picks on the O Line. To me it is too funny

[@nathanroon6961]

Tough loss. Hopefully we got our worst game out of our system when it doesn’t end our season to have it. Still believe.

[@robe2504]

I'm with you. A tough loss sure sorts out the fans from the chaff.

[@bksheba]

It was their worst game because they were exposed by the first very good team they've played all year. They still need a few good key players next year to be true SB contenders. Long time Vikes fan... just telling it like it is.

[@user-qt5eh9wb7g]

@@bksheba Bruh, your team is 14-3......

[@ThepathtoValhallagetsshorterev]

​@@bkshebaPlayed them a lot better in the first game only lost by 3...so what you talking about Willis.....lol

[@xer0Hack]

@@bksheba Lions fans were telling toxic viking fans this days before the game but all they kept saying was how impossible it was for us to win. I even told them darnold is gonna shit bed and they kept going crazy with the skol bs. the truth is yes, they havent played a good team until the lions. same way we wet the bed when the bills came through on us. but that loss was effing needed to wake the lions back up. hopefully the same will happen for your team. best of luck

[@gromitmitten7803]

I still have faith in you guys! We can still do this 🏆 We just have to STAY FOCUSED SKOL 💜

[@alexryder545]

Delusional Vikings fans have faith but real ones know what’s gonna happen next week, the writing is on the wall.

[@alihaboubi3535]

lol -detroit

[@dizzotizzo69]

My Grandmother was 100% Swedish.

[@robe2504]

@@alexryder545 Having faith is what separates fans from casuals, casual. I mean if you knew what was going to happen, you'd be an absolute moron not to bet on the other team, and go and do something else with your Sunday evening, and just collect your cash on Monday.

[@bksheba]

@@alexryder545 Not next week, but when they meet Detroit the 3rd time this season it will unfortunately be the same result. And I'm the biggest Vike fan... this game just exposed the fact that Vikes are still a few players away from being able to hang with teams as good as Detroit. Next year.

[@troyhalverson3032]

Koc didn't have the Vikings ready to play.

[@stevencheng5722]

Yup

[@RabbitOnKrack]

Sam literally missed endless redzone open targets. They arent open if KOC isnt calling plays to get them. Game is all on Sam.

[@banksda150]

You mean ghostbusters Sam was stuck in his nightmares missing everything

[@Johnhargrove18]

@@RabbitOnKrack long developing players and still didn’t change his plan at halftime. He’s too arrogant to be a hc. Absolutely taken to the fckn shed by checks notes: Aaron Glenn?

[@skoolynugenator1802]

Sam couldn’t hit anyone. This game was on Sam.

[@D.S-v1c]

You just got Aaron Glen a head coaching job. Beat by a bunch of Lion practice squad players on defense. Pathetic

[@PhyzinicStudios]

At least that's one less genius to prop up Sham Campbell in Detroit's building.

[@JoeCooper-b4t]

​@@PhyzinicStudios The Viqueens embarrassed themselves big time on national TV. 😂

[@bacardipapient313]

Campbell is far from, a Sham

[@g-dub5272]

Should’ve kicked those FGs in the first half in the red zone. The feeling and the momentum would’ve changed the game.

[@banksda150]

Why when it’s no guarantee that groundskeeper Willie will make it

[@robe2504]

I think that will be one thing folks take away from this game. to be fair, Sean McVay made exactly the same mistake in the Rams week 1 game, otherwise the Lions could have started the season 0-2.

[@ifmbm332b]

Vikings kicker needs a new job next year.

[@whitegoodman7465]

Reichard sucks ass.

[@banksda150]

@@ifmbm332b And they better stop using picks on kickers

[@xmattyic3x505]

I love how quick everyone is to beat up our team for losing this when this whole season was supposed to be a losing season to begin with. Most of you all are most likely the ones who wrote them off to begin with and now you're made they lost a tough game! Still proud of this dam team for what they've accomplished! They exceeded well beyond the expectations that were put on them this year! SKOL!!!

[@JWyaMovieTime]

Agreed. Not to mention they played the best team in football (for arguably the last two years) in their stadium under the national spot light.

[@grandrapids57]

As a Lions fan, I can relate to this. 14-2 or 15-3, excellent comment!

[@brendahowe5132]

Well said!! I still love our Vikings. They had an off/bad night compared to how they had been playing. They just need to get their heads back into the game and be ready for the next game. We all knew it was going to be a tough game against the Lions . As the coach says.. 1-0. I'm proud of how they've played this season up to last night. Get back into the win zone guys.. let's get the "W" back again!

[@parkerlarson4984]

He was checked out before the game even started

[@AndyAcker]

What the hell happened to the run game when we were within 5 yards of the endzone? Smdh

[@TravisMaki-o5h]

Fixed script

[@newt6639]

This feels like 2022 coach. Hoping you get your first playoff win. Sam holds onto the ball too long.

[@tonys7675]

Half the plays this season I was screaming “throw the damned ball!”

[@donborvio]

It's how the plays are schemed: they take a long time to develop. And it's a problem when you don't have a quick check-down play.

[@newt6639]

@@donborvio I do agree with this. Kirk had the same issue with these long play designs.

[@pizzalover1335]

Darnold laid an egg last night, & KOC kept outsmarting himself in the redzone🤦🏽 Just a poor performance from the offense all around. Hopefully Kevin gets the guys ready for LA but ima be honest, Detroit is the last team I wanna bump into again☹️

[@TravisMaki-o5h]

Where was run game inside the red zone

[@hamzaomar7257]

This guy decided not to show up in the biggest game of the year. He put all the pressure on Sam Donald. Run the damn ball

[@GTA-5plus1]

We can’t. Our interior offensive sucks. We only been winning because of our passing attack

[@TravisMaki-o5h]

Exactly

[@dougellis7917]

Sux being a Vikings fan. 50+ years of pain and disappointment for me. No other team can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory better than the Vikings.

[@michaeldockham9294]

Great way to put it...its always the same shit as a MN fan...constantly good enough to get your hopes up and then smash your dreams in the most unconventional way. Atleast were consistent?

[@JoeCooper-b4t]

The Lions were the same, but finally, not anymore. 👍

KOC shat himself in Detroit. Will somebody tell KOC that a play needing 7 seconds to develop is not the future.

[@oDazzleRazzle]

Phew. Never short of rough ones around these parts. Don’t even know what to say. Not even mad we lost, but it wasn’t even close. True Vikings fashion

[@JaxonSmithers]

Huge choke in prime time in one of the biggest games of the century to date.

[@YouKnow-m4i]

It was definitely a close game. We were in position to take the lead for about 3 quarters. We literally could have score 28 points by halftime. But the point is we DIDNT. But this game went the other way mid 4th quarter. We blew it, they didn't dominate us

[@SammySarzoza]

@oDazzleRazzle didn't even give America a good exciting game. Just a sad, drawn-out blowout.

[@Nikeified]

Vikings if u see this, Know that you guys failed, But, From failure we learn, So take advantage of that so we can go better next time 🔥 💜

[@nathanstar2000]

Y’all tripping if you want this coach fired!! Y’all were 14-3 and normally would be the 1 seed if not for the lions having a historic season too. What coach hasn’t had 1 bad game in his career? Sum of y’all too emotional right now

[@LoganGabbert]

We have a lot of fake fans this is normal behavior 😂 the loss stings but we’re not out of it yet real season has just begun

[@kennymccormick9292]

Trade him!!!

[@nickyoung3008]

it’s not about one game. but these games show his inability to adjust the gameplan if necessary. he sees darnold struggling, bad misses on long throws, receivers getting locked up on long developing routes while the pressure gets to sam and he does not call short or intermediate throws after the half. then sometimes he calls these weird screen passes with 1on1 receiver matchups that get blown up instantly. you never have the feeling koc has a plan b and the playcalling just gets worse

[@stevencheng5722]

Every yr KOC has several of these game or play calling

[@MPete1896]

Huh?

[@bjrb73]

This team has overcome adversity all year. They will learn from this and go on a run.

[@SammySarzoza]

They're always satisfied with "It was a good season." They'll never EVER win a Super Bowl.

[@banksda150]

They celebrated the superbowl after the Packers game

[@Oni1975]

I'm not optimistic about a run, especially since a "run" likely ends up right back in Detroit, but we will learn a lot about this coaching staff and the team next week.

[@robe2504]

@@banksda150 They celebrated Sam achieving some incredible milestones last week. They'll celebrate the SB after the SB.

[@bksheba]

@@Oni1975 I think their run will last until #3 in Detroit. And we can only hope they'll be more competitive than tonight's game. That was ugly. I'm afraid they're still a few key players away from being on the same level as Detroit. Next year.

[@DouglasWeeberJr]

14-3 hell of a year coach! Let's go out fighting like Vikings! #SKOL

[@Steve-y5p]

14-3 means nothing if they lose to the Rams again.

[@GermanShepherd1983]

You'll go out like the Vikings always do. Losing in the first or second round of the playoffs. And in the unlikely event that they do get to the Super Bowl, the Vikings will get blown out by Buffalo by 3 touch downs.

[@kennymccormick9292]

Remember 2022?!

[@samexoldx]

Same old Vikings. Games like tonight are the reason this franchise has zero superbowls. When the pressure goes up you piss down your leg. You literally couldn't score a single touchdown against a depleted Lions defense...So embarrassing. Glad I didn't get my hopes up because I knew you would choke because you always do and now we're supposed to believe you're going to go into Sofi and beat the Rams? GTFOH. This franchise is so sorry.

[@cos4779]

GG Coach, ty for giving us a good team

[@JTHICKS15]

This game was beyond embarrassing, it was infuriating!! This was a very bizarre and suspicious performance... 🤬

[@hassaballaabdalla2746]

As if KOC hung Darnold out to dry, fighting that idea, weird loss!

[@geoffreysaign364]

oconnel and darnold were to blame for this mess

[@jerrybergkamp8195]

Exactly we didn't make any adjustments from three weeks ago and there are more receivers on the team

[@michaelbrooks6468]

😂

[@martinosborne9140]

and the defense is completely blameless for 31 points? Boy, do you have tunnel vision.

[@TravisMaki-o5h]

Blame no run game

[@thepurpleufo]

Darnold's $ value, which was sky-high, just took a big dive. Not all his fault though...some bad play calling, no protection from the offensive line, and receivers just not getting open. A sad night.

[@ChrisMader-u7q]

@@thepurpleufo it was mostly his fault. Overthrowing wide open JJ in the end zone and other bad throws. Plus scrambling around wild-eyed like he was scared all night. That’s on him not to do of he wants the big $$

[@banksda150]

70% Darnfold 20% trash can Will 5% Oline 5% KOC

[@robe2504]

@@banksda150 What about the slow secondary that Gibbs burned all game?

[@vegasprogambler5336]

play calling was SOLID. the execution was trash. this is what the Jets fans saw.

[@ChrisMader-u7q]

@@robe2504 was nice watching Gibbs get PLANTED in the ground that one play…

[@MONEYMLV]

Tough loss coach. Sammy D looked uncomfortable tonight. Still believe in you but you’re gonna have to have some answers for the blitz. It’s been a great season so far, let’s go shock the world! SKOL!

[@mattmassaro154]

WE ARE WHO I THOUGHT WE ARE!

[@kennymccormick9292]

R.i.p Denny Green

[@ThepathtoValhallagetsshorterev]

Said that in Az.tho didn't he?

[@patrickharty9214]

Darnald was 0-4 in Red Zone, not because the Lions defense was that good, it was because Darnald was that bad. None of his passes in the Red Zone were accurate. He does that again and you guys are 1 done in the playoffs. That negative momentum affected the entire team. If you want it bad enough, then you're focused on getting the job done. If not, we will see you guys next year. You all let the fans down.

[@mr.fibonacci6292]

Darnold*

[@kennymccormick9292]

Shoulda called Ghostbusters boy!

[@xer0Hack]

give credit where its due. darnold was that bad bc the defense was that good. stop the bs

[@Bluboy30]

Sorry coach, you got out coached tonight. Why not run the ball more or call for short passes? The Lions defense was prepared for those deep pass plays.

[@dizzotizzo69]

Dan Campbell has brass balls!!

[@mattmoore8897]

Remember when you called our defense atrocious? 9 points lol

[@Bluboy30]

@@mattmoore8897 Oh hey are you my stalker? Nice to hear from you again. But yes I did say that and the Lions defense played well tonight. But they're still trash. The Vikings offense played like crap tonight but we'll see you guys in a couple of weeks and we'll see if your team can beat us 3 times in one season. 😘

[@mattmoore8897]

We'll see bro...next time maybe you'll reach double digits 😘 good luck in LA Blu

[@JoeCooper-b4t]

​@@Bluboy30 Another smack talking Viqueens fan loser 😂😂😂😂

[@Smalledits-l2z]

I hope you win next week in LA I believe

[@PIutoo041]

KOC cost us this game with his play calling

[@KizWhalifa99]

Hell nah, countless times where Sam held the ball too long or just threw an arrant pass. O-line was ass too

[@michaeldemaio257]

No. It was Sam missing all the WIDE OPEN throws !!! Are you okay. If you want to say kick the FGs okay but the fact is, Sam should of made those easy throws. Here’s the problem. He chocked big time. It was far to big for him. That’s what I was saying all year. Let’s see him in a win or go home type game. Well, he just made the worse defense look like the best defense out there. He should have 3 picks as well. Rams will beat us. Sams gone. JJ makes those throws. There’s a reason why KO said JJ is better than he thought. Anyway next year is fun for us. Will have a real QB I can trust. He’s won everywhere else. I’m talking high school and college witch is extremely rare and those guys are the best guys. I look forward to next year. Really pray we draft a great RB.

[@PIutoo041]

@ jj dropped a TD and KOC cost us 6 points. Sam played a decent game just he missed some throws and he missed Addison on a TD.

[@CogitoErgoSum2024]

100%

[@lorent4998]

Not sure what game you watched, his QBR says you must have been drunk!

[@jamesbender1967]

Vikings shit the bed in a big game! Shocking! 😂 Man. 30 years of big game disappointments take a toll. The Rams beat us with fewer weapons than they have currently. I don't have any hope we can go in there and get a win. Sam can’t handle big (NFL) game pressure clearly. Yes, he was pressured with poor blocking, but he flat missed several touchdowns to Jefferson. You can’t win a big game with those kinds of errors. KOC didn’t adjust for shit. Have you heard of a quick slant!? If your QB is getting hurried every play QUIT calling drop back passes. FFS 🤦🏻‍♂️ Perpetual disappointments.

[@Smalledits-l2z]

Yes he can if the team falls he has there backs.

[@TravisMaki-o5h]

Fixed game nfl a joke

[@ryan-x3r]

Fix the interior O-line this off season. Trust us on this one!

[@robe2504]

If it was that easy, everyone would do it.

[@dylanroberts93]

PLEASE!!!!

[@YouKnow-m4i]

Yes, get Darrisaw back and use some of the money we would spend on Darnold and fill in all the gaps of this team. Keep Daniel Jones and let him and JJ fight it out next year and then JJ full time QB 2026 at the latest.

[@slotowntrev]

@@YouKnow-m4iuse some of that 2 million you spent on tickets lol

[@YouKnow-m4i]

@@slotowntrev what does that have to do with anything? Weird comment

[@JRans11]

Tough loss but great opportunities ahead. Don't lose faith, skol nation!

[@BernieBolton]

Well put very heart breaking game ,I know we are better than that. I know it is easy to say we sucked and we did ,LOL but the Lions had a great game and we didn't .Let's move on to LA and kick some ass. The o line needs better protection for Sam. SKOL.

[@midw3st845]

Embarrassing loss. They better figure it out, cuz playing games the way they did last night will get you sent home immediately.

[@JR-ut1yx]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MRBIG999]

You must be young. We've seen this song and dance before. More likely lose next week than make it to the NFC title game.

[@ChrisMader-u7q]

Vikings are a cursed team and have been for 50+ years. Cheering for them brings heartache and pain.

[@dizzotizzo69]

Nuygga please........that's Detroit. Minnesota has been there, Detroit hasn't since 1955

[@slotowntrev]

As a Lions fan you have no idea about a “curse” on your team.

[@ChrisMader-u7q]

@@JoeCooper-b4t Not cursed anymore, so stop whining.

[@TravisMaki-o5h]

Fixed football

[@KevinMiller-c1b]

From a Lions fan perspective, if it had Minnesota against anyone else, I would cheer for the Vikings. From Coach O'Connell on town, the Vikings are a class organization. Will be cheering for them next Monday night against the Rams.

[@JoeCooper-b4t]

Nah, because of all the smack talking Vikings fans, I'm rooting for the Rams. 😆👍

[@xer0Hack]

@@JoeCooper-b4t yeah same ftv they were talking down a little too hard pregame and still are right now

[@joshuamorrissy6557]

Ouch darnold showed us what he can do under pressure we ain't beating the rams

[@TravisMaki-o5h]

Need to run the ball

[@garygreen860]

55 years of being disappointed in big games. Nothing new to me.

[@burleyrogers9823]

100% agree..same here..

[@GermanShepherd1983]

Yep, can't win the Big One

[@mikewojnar6254]

Coach has a lot to learn!

[@dizzotizzo69]

Dan Campbell is someone to learn from.

[@Senai-oq1qp]

We were in position to have a good lead going into half time but Sam couldn’t execute on any of his throws. I don’t see how that’s KOC’s fault.

[@kickupurple]

players play the game, and they failed to execute at all levels

[@haveaseatsir]

@@Senai-oq1qp100% this L is on Sammy D

[@kennycruz7757]

They need to get rid of him

[@hiphopanonymous24]

Flores and the defense showed up tonight. O’Connell and the offense did not. Jefferson needs to step the fuck up if he wants to be a team captain, because he wasn’t doing it tonight.

[@robe2504]

For a half maybe, but Gibbs didn't seem to notice them.

[@Johnhargrove18]

@@robe2504 putting ur defense constantly on the field against an offense like the lions isn’t sustainable. We watched that for 6 years with cousins.. going 3 and out and not sustaining drives hurts ur d.

[@robe2504]

@@Johnhargrove18 Yes, that was the most surprising thing. It hasn't really happened all season, and against much better defences than the Lions. No real answer for Gibbs and they didn't have one in week 4 either. Gibbs was one reason I didn't want to see Lewis Cine go, because he was the only DB on the roster that could run with Gibbs. That's in the rear vision mirror now. On to LA.

[@Johnhargrove18]

@@robe2504 yep

[@hueyang5943]

I feel like you don't put all the tools in practice and prepare. You need to find ways to use more weapons in your playbook. The defense did their job. Just not the offense.

[@kolpants]

still believe in you. Just learn/adjust and reset for the road. not like we got kicked out of the playoffs.

[@dizzotizzo69]

Stafford will give the Viks the boot.

[@robe2504]

@@dizzotizzo69 I guess you now have some free time at 8pm Monday week, just like you thought you would before the season started.

[@JoeCooper-b4t]

​@@robe2504Oh hell yeah, we get to relax and watch the Vikes get blown out in the Wild Card next week. Better you than us 👍

[@chrishelfricht9840]

I bet Jj Mcarthy is the happiest man in Minnesota!😅

[@SammySarzoza]

@chrishelfricht9840 he's keeping that Joe Mauer house! Until the day he chokes on the national stage and has a sad blank stare while the Bears embarrass him to win the NFC. Haha

[@BM-si2ei]

​@@SammySarzozabears ain't embarrassing anyone any time soon

[@davidandbernadettegockowsk9077]

@@BM-si2eiI said that about the Lions for 30 years

[@BM-si2ei]

@@davidandbernadettegockowsk9077 You just proved my point.

[@davidandbernadettegockowsk9077]

@@BM-si2ei The Lions just embarrassed us badly

[@stockreversals]

13 and 4 and 14 and 3 in 2 of the first 3 seasons with this regime. Let's relax. They are building a machine!!

[@Devlins10]

Think the Viks were a bit shell shocked. Especially on how the Lions were able to pressure all night. Im a Lions fan and and expect to face a different team if we see them in 2 weeks

[@alwaysgreatusa223]

Worst Game you ever coached KOC ! You really stunk it up on this one !

[@MMC_4]

Get blown out at least once or twice every single year. Guaranteed to get blown it in the last game of every year as well. Better hope the Vikings beat the Rams and advance past the 2nd round as well or else the Vikings will for sure always be remembered as team that either gets bounced 1st round or wins 1 playoffs game and get blown out in the next round. It’s been every damn time.

[@bksheba]

If they lose next week to Rams, the whole big payday talk for both Darnold and KOC will go away very quickly.

[@ifmbm332b]

@@bksheba Already has for Darnold. He overthrew JJ multiple times in the end zone.

[@shanee9943]

Sam had a rough game…but KOC didn’t do him ANY favors or adjustments to counter the Lions def plans.

[@GermanShepherd1983]

Vikings always choke when it gets to be playoff time. The refs tried hard to give the game to the Vikes but the Lions wouldn't be denied. I'm still mad about the refs no calling delay of game. The play clock was expired for 2 seconds and no call. Also noticed they called PI any time a Lions player touched a receiver but never called anything when a Vikings player mauled a Lions receiver.

[@danturley6250]

Ya . Anzalone was riding hockey’s on like a cape the whole game .refs suck for both teams . Example Goff grounding in end zone nope Darnald yep. Even ref on tv called that one out

[@MonsoonGeek]

We love you, KOC. You can draw up all the good plays you want, it doesn’t matter when your QB overthrows everything and can’t get complete to save his life. Shake it off. Just not our night.

[@jabbadabba1978]

This was a playoff game. This was for the division. This was for the conference. We absolutely shit the bed. This coach says all the right things. Doesn’t do them though. This one loss exposed this team as absolute frauds. This loss negates this entire season. Sincerely.

[@NorthEastFilmz57]

U truly get it…thank u

[@StoneMan42]

What? We were projected to win 6 games. 14-3 is better than all of us thought we were gonna do. We lost a big game but if we won and then lost first game at home it would look even worse. We are still in the playoffs so let’s get right again and play better. Our time isn’t done yet. It’s up to us to be better

[@jabbadabba1978]

@ I don’t give a shit what we were projected to be. Goff was projected to be a bridge qb just like darnold now he’s the 50 million dollar man with real superbowl aspirations. I’m not happy losing in the biggest spot of the year. Oh and by the way, had we won, WE WOULDNT HAVE A FIRST GAME WES HAVE A FUCKING BYE BUT I GUESS WE DIDNT NEED THAT DIDNT NEED TO WIN THAT 1 SEED ITS OK CAUSE WE WERE ONLY SUPPOSED TO WIN SIX GAMES WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE LOSERS HUHHHH?!?!? we ain’t gonna get right. We’re gonna fuckin lose when the fans deserve a win. That’s what we do. We are the Minnesota JOBBER Vikings. We exist to LOSE. always have. Always will. Get with the program right.

[@ronaldcrosby2388]

Stay focused let's beat the Rams gotta believe

[@caseymoore8461]

Game of the year was a joke! KOC proved he had no answers and is not as good as people think he is. He loves to get blown out but refuses to blowout teams. I feel bad for Vikings defense and Flores because they gave the offense several chances and KOC failed while also embarrassing the team, organization and the fans. This was a disgraceful showing. The Vikings are clearly not the team the record indicates. The OL and the play calling was horrendous. KOC was the main blame, period!! KOC SUCKED!!!!

[@wonderming1]

That's some armchair coaching, and I disagree. The team would disagree, too.

[@reddeadjuju]

​@@wonderming1I see nothing but facts and a butt hurt Vikings fan who can't see what's coming. They'll never beat the Lions especially at home. Yal can win Monday all you want still isn't going to make a difference on the outcome. They just not a championship team.

[@NoahYang-fc5ig]

Forget about this game, and lock in for next week💪💜

[@hamzaomar7257]

😂

[@robe2504]

Exactly. It's hard to win 9 in a row. 13 is nearly impossible. 4-0 they've done at least twice, technically 3 times this season.

[@bksheba]

They need to salvage big time next week. At least they can revenge Rams earlier loss, but the inevitable is Detroit #3 and that does not bode well.

[@arthurabethea6799]

And learn from it 🤔 . Let's bounce back 💪💯 Go Vikings.

[@robe2504]

@@arthurabethea6799 Exactly what a real fan would say!

[@garret4466]

He kept saying it was a “physical game” trying so hard to not call out the clear game plan to just blatantly hold on every single play 😂

[@FlyingRaijin365]

Vikings getting bounced out next week against Rams 😂😂😂😂😂

[@shawnmoney612]

Alot of holding calls not called intentional grounding for a safety that wasn't called either

[@RileyFreeman8]

Literally no adjustments made at halftime. Absolutely none. KOC has never been able to make adjustments because he relies on luck. Cam Robinson is a liability and Darnold is only serviceable if nothing goes wrong. This team is a 1st round exit.

[@adogello]

Can't wait to see them again in the playoffs!

[@lorent4998]

Yeah so we can kick more field goals. 31-9 that was close!

[@ifmbm332b]

Can't wait to see them play (like this) again in the playoffs!

[@JoeCooper-b4t]

After last night, we can't wait either 😂

[@arthurabethea6799]

I like what coach said it didn't work out that game. A😮nd I would just like to add that, we still get to play another day 😊. So let's go Minnesota Vikings 💪💯 ❤.

[@jacobstone1438]

Not one person I’ve read on here is commenting on the absolute horseshit refs. They let the lions hold and PI’s not called up the ass. Didn’t flag for hands to the face on Darnold. Didn’t flag for Branch head hunting on Oliver. Didn’t call the safety. The refs sucked ass. And Hockenson caught that pass!!! We need better refs period

[@JAViking28-c6v]

Man why don’t we ever run slants, always works for other teams

[@xer0Hack]

its been working for detroit going on 2 seasons now

[@colinjames8278]

Blessing in disguise

[@kellinovotny]

This is the most critical comment here. They will learn from this and come back stronger. #SKOL

[@kennymccormick9292]

Too late for that

[@jdoc6957]

I didn’t care if we lost tonight. All I asked was that they don’t embarrass themselves or the state of Minnesota or their fans, we can’t even wish for close games anymore in these big moments. Even the media over predicted this is gonna be a high flying high scoring game! Good God, how many people lost money tonight going with the over. I’ve never lost a bet in gambling, I’m sure a lot did tonight.

[@martiboxwell9680]

As it turns out KOC, the vikings do belong at the little kids table. This team was a pleasant surprise but was never a real threat for a deep run.

[@jackbirdman7491]

A playoff game has not been played yet.

[@martiboxwell9680]

@@jackbirdman7491 No worries, it'll be over soon. this team wont get past the rams.

[@EddieOTesla]

Pls never compare JJ to RM - RM never got covered by one guy

[@arthurabethea6799]

I've watched this team all year and we're good for bouncing back so let's go vikes ❤.

[@user-qt5eh9wb7g]

It's what Detroit did post Bills. We may have just done you guys a huge favor. Now the Viks will be PISSED.

[@6971robi]

You mean bounce back against less talented teams. Sam Darnold looked like he couldn't handle the moment. The Coach also with not running the ball enough.

[@fishinghunting7275]

How about a full investigation on the Lions ad the Refs holding our receivers every down yet only called once. Also how about that intentional grounding that wasn't called that should have been a safety.

[@rolgnav]

"we had some opportunities" = Sam Darnold Chocked

[@ehansbrough593]

The entire offense "choked". The WRs - Jets, JA, and Speedy couldn't seem to get open. TJ dropped multiple balls. The OL got beat repeatedly and Detroit's DL controlled the LOS. And KOC's play calling was unimaginative and he didn't make any adjustments. When he saw the Lions were playing Cover 0 and bringing a ton of pressure, he could have shortened up the routes - quick timing routes, slants, etc. I didn't see any three receiver sets. We could have used tempo just try to get some rhythm on offense. In the red zone, why couldn't pull a guard or two and run the ball in. KOC, Sam and the entire offense were not at their best.

[@TopWickDe]

Glad it was regular season and not a elimination learn from this.

[@dizzotizzo69]

You can't beat the mentality of what Dan Campbell has instilled in his players.

[@robe2504]

@@dizzotizzo69 Sorry, you can only speak for yourself, and from your own outlook, so we're all clear that you don't think you could, and that you give up whenever things get tough. Good to know that you're a lightweight. I appreciate your openness. Most folks usually keep that quiet.

[@JJJ5.7]

Tell KOC to cover when he's communicating with players and coaches.

[@jdoc6957]

Never up to the big moments, Philadelphia 2017 horrible loss, 2014 missed 15 yard kick then Anderson’s missed field goal on and on and on. Unless they show up in the big moments, nothing else really matters. Heck we got waxed by New York in the playoffs two years ago in our own stadium. When the pressure is a little high, we always fry. They didn’t even show up to the game, lions didn’t beat us, the Lions just showed up, they didn’t even play that well.

[@LoganGabbert]

Well guess what pressures off now, no 1 seed, no bye week, no home field advantage, it’s win or go home on the road, yes the 1 seed would’ve been nice but now we don’t have to play with the pressure of being the 1 seed now if we want it bad enough we have to fight for it and go take it we all know this teams capable of winning 1 score games and guess what majority of playoff games are…. Sick of these negative Vikings fans we lost move one it stings but we’re a 14-3 playoff team with a bridge quarterback what more could you ask for

[@Johnhargrove18]

@@LoganGabbertwell on the bright side no team has won 15 games and won the super bowl

[@jdoc6957]

I could ask that they go to Detroit and at least make it a little close even 20 to 31. I could ask that they at least don’t embarrass us themselves like in Philly17. There is no excuse for not putting just 1td on the board with our receiving core. You make millions of dollars to put 17 hours of on field game time for 4 months of the year. Maybe if we had 16 players on ir and got back Tuesday morning from playing a game we would’ve played better. This isn’t even fun anymore, like going for a sleigh ride every year with a car crash at the end just for the memories. Please give someone else our playoff spot to stop the embarrassment now. Well my wife says the water is ready, have a date with a toaster tonight, should be a bright future.

[@LoganGabbert]

@@jdoc6957 just another casual fan if they lose next week then let it all this is what’s wrong with a huge portion of Vikings fans it’s football you win some you lose some take it on the chin and if we Win next week we’re right back in Detroit not often you see a team beat another team 3 times in a season so let’s get passed the rams then go get our get back on Detroit quit pouting and acting like the seasons over, the real season has just begun 😈

[@LoganGabbert]

@@jdoc6957 I feel your pain tho I’ve been a die hard fan of this team my whole life and there’s nothing I want more then to see them win a Super Bowl, we’re in the dance let’s take this thing one game at a time and hope for best, any team can win on any given Sunday everyone’s 0-0 right now let’s go 1-0 this week

[@Davisbbb]

Sam darnold went out there and said I’m gonna make next years QB decision for you guys. I’ve forgotten everything you e done all season. We don’t want you here sam darnold go back to pumpkin land

[@alwaysgreatusa223]

You need to stop trying to be the Lions and going for it on fourth down ! STAY IN YOUR LANE ! The D was going to win the game, you just had to run the ball and take the field goals. Always take the easy points. You ain't the Lions !

[@Smalledits-l2z]

Ya we are not like the lions we’re better than them we are told just to stop and stop but we won’t and that makes us better then the lions.

[@robe2504]

Yes, I think that will be something everyone reflects on this week. No growing without learning.

[@alwaysgreatusa223]

@@Smalledits-l2z When a team beats you twice, it's simply foolish to pretend you are the better team. There's a reason they have a scoreboard at these games.

[@SPexploits]

as a life long Vikings fan all I can say is KOC threw and sold us the game, get rid of Sam darnold AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! JJ McCarthy is the QB1 and got drafted for a reason, not for a quarterback that overthrows every single throw and completely collapses under pressure in big time games when you need him to make plays the most. A playoff caliber qb and a championship QB can win those games.

[@CogitoErgoSum2024]

This loss is 100% on this man. Period.

[@SchnellTim]

KOC? How so? That Lions defense was phenomenal. Every receiver was covered. The “X” blitzes from the Lions were insanely effective

[@Johnhargrove18]

@@SchnellTimso in other words Koc wasn’t prepared? A tanking 49ers team made the lions d look like trash.

[@SchnellTim]

@@Johnhargrove18where did I say KOC wasn’t prepared 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Johnhargrove18]

@@SchnellTim “koc, how so” implies that it wasn’t kocs fault.

[@SchnellTim]

@@Johnhargrove18 How have you come to the conclusion that when I suggested this loss wasn’t KOC’s fault, that somehow meant KOC wasn’t prepared instead?

[@toddglasenapp6572]

This feels a lot like the end of the ‘22 season. I see a fourth-down check down pass coming next Monday night.

[@billharvell]

Your offensive game plan, along with your play calling absolutely sucked. Sam was definitely off too, but this loss is totally on the coaching. Absolutely zero adjustments made when necessary. I seriously question the depth of your playbook/game plans. You need to have at least some plan for getting rid of the ball QUICKLY- instead of all these long drop backs. Also, the running game needs serious work/development. This offense is way too predictable.

[@ehansbrough593]

Agreed. 💯

[@mmayojr]

If Darnold plays like this again next week its a guarantee that JJ will be the guy next year. I get he has played well all year but the next game will be huge for Sam's future.

[@seanjones2456]

Lions fan here. You guys are a tough team but we just had a better night tonight. The goff pass on 4th down where he got hit by a bus was my play of the game.

[@deckyoh]

You guys are a special group...were disappointed but simply got beaten by better team tonight.. i certainly take no shame in it...move on hopefully see u again for another crack at you guys...best of luck in playoffs

[@user-qt5eh9wb7g]

@@deckyoh Yall gonna bounce back and trounce the Rams....

[@deckyoh]

@user-qt5eh9wb7g dunno about that...tough draw...we don't match up well but here's hoping

[@DUEYZ4U]

I can't stand losing this bad and watching another HC go on and on about why why were humiliated.

[@calvinking-m3e]

Never thought the game of the year would end with us kneeling down to run the clock out. Hopefully KOC has learned something about 4th down and a chance to get back in the game . Instead of trying to kick a fg with a bad kicker. Your playing for the division. Please feel free to go on 4 th and 4.

[@Anthony-hu3rj]

100% wrong. We already tried going for it 3 times on 4th down. And didn't make it one time.

[@robe2504]

Probably take the easy FGs early, and go for it on 4th down instead of the long FG more like.

[@ifmbm332b]

@@robe2504 There are no easy field goals with this kicker.

[@robe2504]

@@ifmbm332b It might pay to be more discreet about such ignorance. I think Will was the only kicker in the league that had a 100% success rate prior to his injury. He's just a young kid, in his rookie season, and he's really only had one bad miss that I can remember - the 43 yarder that he hooked vs the Packers. Will is obviously not quite in his best form since returning from injury, but I'm pretty sure you have no f*ckin idea how to fix him. Perhaps you should just sit back down on that barstool, be satisfied with your all around mediocrity and leave it to the experts.