Super Bowl 60 Fallout: Sam Darnold’s Redemption, Vikings Regrets, and the Blueprint for Minnesota’s Offseason
If you’re a Vikings fan, Super Bowl 60 might’ve felt like a gut punch - not just because Minnesota wasn’t there, but because Sam Darnold was. And he wasn’t just there - he was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in a Seahawks uniform.
The same Darnold who walked away from the Vikings last March. The same Darnold who, for one night in Las Vegas, looked like the guy Minnesota hoped he could be.
On The Real Forno Show, hosts Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano dove into the Super Bowl aftermath with a sharp eye on what it means for the Vikings. From Darnold’s performance to the trenches war that defined the game, the episode was a layered breakdown of lessons Minnesota needs to learn - fast.
Darnold’s Moment, Vikings’ Miss
Let’s start with the obvious. Darnold’s stat line - 19-of-38 for 202 yards and a touchdown - won’t break any records.
But it was enough. More than enough, actually, when you consider the stakes, the opponent, and the stage.
This wasn’t just a game; it was a statement. And for Vikings fans, it was a reminder of what might have been.
Forness put it plainly: “I firmly believe if Sam Darnold’s the quarterback of this Vikings team, they win 12, 13 games.” That’s not just a hot take - it’s a reflection of how close Minnesota might’ve been with the right guy under center.
According to Forness, Darnold wasn’t running from competition. He just didn’t want a rookie like J.J.
McCarthy breathing down his neck. So he left.
And now he's a Super Bowl champ.
Stefano added salt to the wound with a nod to fans who always believed in Darnold: “I’m sure Sal’s happy today too.” It’s the kind of comment that stings - because it’s probably true.
Trenches Win Championships
If there was one thing Super Bowl 60 made crystal clear, it’s this: the battle up front still decides everything. Seattle’s defensive front was relentless, and it tilted the game in their favor from the jump. Forness didn’t mince words: “Really good defensive fronts just absolutely dominate Super Bowls.”
It’s a message Minnesota’s front office needs to take to heart. If you can’t win in the trenches, you’re not getting out of the NFC North, let alone into February. That means investing in defensive line depth - not just splashy edge rushers, but rotational guys who can keep the pressure coming for four quarters.
Offensive Line: Cohesion Over Stars
On the other side of the ball, the Seahawks proved you don’t need five All-Pros to build a winning offensive line. What you need is five guys who play like one.
Continuity. Communication.
No weak links.
Stefano summed it up: “As long as you have five guys working as one, that can defeat the opposition, they can win.” Forness echoed the sentiment, warning against “catastrophic” players - the kind of linemen who can singlehandedly blow up a drive.
It’s not about having a Trent Williams at every spot. It’s about not having someone who gets your quarterback killed.
Scheme Tweaks > Gimmicks
Creativity matters, but it doesn’t have to be flashy. Seattle’s offense didn’t reinvent the wheel - they just put a new spin on old concepts.
Take the “scissors” route combination, a staple in playbooks across the league. The Seahawks gave it a slight tweak, and suddenly it was creating big plays against a disciplined defense.
“You don’t need to be over the top creative,” Forness said. “Just taking a staple concept and making a minor tweak.”
It’s a subtle but important point. You don’t need to be the next Sean McVay.
You just need to know how to get your guys open.
Kenneth Walker and the Value of Home Runs
Seattle’s ground game didn’t just chew clock - it delivered fireworks. Kenneth Walker ran with purpose, power, and burst.
Stefano called it “a thing of beauty,” and he wasn’t wrong. Walker’s ability to hit the occasional 60-yard home run changes the way defenses play you.
Even if it only happens a few times a year, it’s a threat that keeps coordinators up at night.
Forness added: “If you can hit the three home runs a year... that to me is incredibly valuable.” It’s not about volume - it’s about impact. And it’s something the Vikings should be looking for in their own backfield.
Offseason Priorities: Secondary and Smart Spending
Looking ahead, Forness pointed to the Vikings’ secondary as the biggest area of need in free agency. That’s not a surprise - Minnesota’s pass defense struggled to hold up in key moments last season. Whether it’s through free agency or the draft, expect the front office to focus heavily on cornerback depth and safety help.
There was also talk of potential cap casualties or pay cuts, with names like Aaron Jones floating around. It’s all part of the offseason puzzle - finding value, trimming fat, and building a roster that can compete now without mortgaging the future.
The Takeaway for Vikings Fans
Super Bowl 60 wasn’t just a Seahawks celebration - it was a mirror held up to the Vikings. From Darnold’s vindication to Seattle’s trench dominance, every snap told a story Minnesota needs to hear. This is a copycat league, and the blueprint is right there.
Build the lines. Avoid the catastrophic.
Make smart tweaks. And find a quarterback who can win in the biggest moments - even if he’s not the flashiest name on the board.
For Vikings fans, the drought continues. But the path forward?
It’s there. And if Minnesota’s decision-makers were watching closely, they saw it too.
Stay tuned to The Real Forno Show on Vikings 1st & SKOL for more deep-dive breakdowns, offseason insight, and everything in between. Because if you bleed purple, you know - the work doesn’t stop in February.