Stephen A. Smith’s fiery personality took center stage on First Take as he clashed with colleague Dan Orlovsky over the performance of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. The debate erupted during a discussion about the Los Angeles Rams’ decisive 27-9 victory over the Vikings in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs.
Darnold’s struggles were hard to ignore. He faced a staggering nine sacks, tying an NFL playoff record, and contributed to the loss by fumbling the ball, which the Rams returned for a touchdown, in addition to throwing an interception. With such a performance, it was no surprise that the conversation quickly turned heated.
Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback, attempted to defend Darnold, asserting that the loss was not solely his fault. He argued that there were multiple factors at play and that Darnold was a "good, talented player," even if he wasn’t among the elite quarterbacks in the league. However, Smith was having none of it.
"Oh my god, I’m about to faint," Smith exclaimed, clearly taken aback by Orlovsky’s defense of Darnold. The tension escalated when Orlovsky insisted, "Don’t make me out to be a liar," prompting Smith to respond emphatically, "Yes you did!" The back-and-forth continued, with Smith accusing Orlovsky of changing his past opinions about Darnold’s abilities.
When Orlovsky claimed that he had never said Darnold was "all that," Smith fired back, "We’ve got receipts of you talking about Sam Darnold… I’ll parade them all over the world." This dramatic exchange highlighted the passion both commentators have for the game and their differing perspectives on Darnold’s performance.
Smith’s frustration reached a peak when he called for his fellow commentator Shannon Sharpe to weigh in. "Shannon, get him! Get him, Shannon! Get him!" he shouted, emphasizing his disbelief at Orlovsky’s defense of Darnold. It was clear that Smith felt strongly that Darnold’s performance was a significant factor in the Vikings’ defeat.
Orlovsky, in contrast, argued that the loss could not be pinned solely on the quarterback. He pointed to the Rams’ defensive coordinator Chris Shula, the Vikings’ poor offensive line play, and head coach Kevin O’Connell’s struggles as key reasons for the outcome of the game. "This is where we just look at football very differently," Orlovsky stated, expressing his frustration with Smith’s analysis.
The debate underscored a larger question: What does it truly mean to be a successful quarterback in the NFL? Can one player be blamed for a team’s loss, or is it a collective effort? As Smith passionately stated, "When Sam Darnold was balling out, I sat up there weeks in advance and said, ‘We gon see when it counts.’" This sentiment reflects the high expectations placed on quarterbacks, especially in playoff scenarios.
As the dust settled on the heated exchange, it was evident that both Smith and Orlovsky brought valuable insights to the table. Smith’s emotional appeal highlighted the importance of accountability in the NFL, while Orlovsky’s analytical approach emphasized the complexities of the game.
Looking ahead, the Vikings face a critical decision regarding Darnold’s future. After a regular season where he posted 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, his playoff performance raises questions about whether he should remain the starter or if the team should consider giving rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy a chance to lead.
Meanwhile, the Rams will advance to face the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, with quarterback Matthew Stafford showcasing his skills by completing 19 of 27 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns in the game against the Vikings.
In the world of the NFL, emotions run high, and debates like the one between Smith and Orlovsky are a testament to the passion that surrounds the sport. Fans and analysts alike are left to ponder the implications of such performances and the future of players like Sam Darnold. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the Vikings look to new leadership as they navigate the challenges ahead? Only time will tell.
