Sam Darnold did nearly everything right in a renaissance season, resurrecting his career as a starter while pushing Minnesota to one of the NFL's best records. A deep playoff run was the expected next step.

Sam Darnold’s second straight Jets-esque performance in a primetime game, this one ending the Vikings’ season Monday night in the 27-9 wild-card loss to the Rams, has perhaps helped solidify to Minnesota decision-makers how they should handle their upcoming quarterback controversy.

Darnold was outmatched and overwhelmed Monday night in the first playoff game of his career. The result was a 27-9 win by the Los Angeles Rams over his Vikings that eliminated Minnesota from the postseason. The loss concludes a 14-win Vikings season with a crashing thud and without a playoff win.