Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell called his game, Darnold executed and finished 22-of-34 for 330 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
It came as Darnold resisted forcing the ball to Justin Jefferson, who received extra attention frequently. Darnold instead found Addison, who had eight catches for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown. Tight end T. J. Hockenson had seven catches for 114. including several big plays in fourth quarter and overtime.
Darnold had his left ankle rolled at the end of a scramble in the fourth quarter, leaving for a couple ofplays. He re-entered, gave O’Connell the thumbs up when asked through the headset if he was fine. He played like he was.
It was the version of Darnold that can win playoff games. There were a couple of risky throws, but he stayed out of the interception column in consecutive games. That is a plus.
“Sam Darnold was phenomenal through the air today,” O’Connell said. “Making a lot of plays.”
Williams was expected to be flustered by Brian Flores’ defensive scheme. The first overall pick of this year’s draft got the ball out of his quickly, checked down, leaped over defenders in a single bound when he needed to run and led Chicago to three scoring drives in the fourth quarter. He finished 32-of-47 with 340 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.