It was an ugly end to the season for everyone, but specifically for a quarterback who did so many good things all season long. Darnold took full advantage of his opportunity in Minnesota and resurrected his career, but the proverbial clock struck midnight for him in the Vikings' two most important games, throwing his future into question.

A question lobbed during the news conference after the Vikings' playoff loss to the Rams could have been ignored, but it definitely was not.

The young head coach has squeezed blood from a stone in two regular seasons; now he deserves the players to truly compete.