Stephen A. Smith calls out Sam Darnold after disappointing finish to breakout regular season

Sam Darnold and Stephen A. Smith (Source - Getty)

The Sam Darnold story was perhaps the most surprising turn of events in the 2024 season. Heading into the year, most expected the J.J. McCarthy-led Vikings to post a rebuild-like final record. Instead, they eclipsed all but one team in the NFC going into Week 18.

Had Darnold won the game, the road to the Super Bowl would have gone through Minnesota. Now, the road to the Super Bowl goes through Detroit. Reacting to the loss on Tuesday's episode of First Take, NFL analyst Stephen A. Smith called out Darnold for prematurely celebrating.