What Sam Darnold experienced Sunday night against the Lions was worse than what Daniel Jones experienced in his Week 1 start against the Vikings when he played for the Giants.

As the Vikings immediately started the process of turning the page following a 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, Kevin O’Connell made his way toward the 50-yard line to shake hands with his counterpart Dan Campbell.

The Lions’ relentless defense left Sam Darnold scrambling in his most challenging game this season, highlighting vulnerabilities in Minnesota’s offensive line and strategy.

The Vikings won 14 games often through Sam Darnold’s arm this season. Yet on the biggest stage so far, Darnold’s arm fell flat during Sunday night’s 31-9 loss to the Lions. Players and coaches say the critiques should begin with their failures in the red zone,