For people who didn’t believe in the Minnesota Vikings, it was only a matter of time. Sooner or later they would start losing, and it would be Sam Darnold’s fault. His improbable start to the 2024 season was a fluke. Order would be restored to the universe.

Well, the Vikings dropped their second straight game to Los Angeles on Thursday night. In an NFC North that has become a buzzsaw, this could be a costly loss.

But Minnesota has much bigger problems than its quarterback.

This is not to say that Darnold is innocent of Thursday’s loss. After touchdowns on its first two drives, Minnesota scored six points the rest of the way. Darnold was too focused on star receiver Justin Jefferson. The wideout had eight receptions for 115 yards. Every other pass catcher on the team was 10 for 125.

Even with a player as great as Jefferson, that won’t work in the NFL.

The Vikings also suffered a potentially devastating injury. Minnesota’s offensive line has been the epitome of stability this year. But once Christian Darrisaw left tackle, that changed — and so did Darnold.

Darrisaw’s knee injury ended his season – a huge blow to the Vikings’ O-line.

However, the big problem – the proverbial purple elephant with a Viking helmet in the room – is Minnesota’s defense.

The Vikings have given up yards to the cornfield all season. But Minny was one of the top-10 scoring defenses entering Week 8, thanks in large part to sacks and takeaways.

Outside of one bad Matt Stafford throw that was picked off, those big plays didn’t happen against the Rams – and the result was 30 points and 386 yards of offense. Stafford had more touchdown throws in Week 8 than in Weeks 1-7 combined.

The Vikings have by far the worst defense in the NFL’s toughest division.

And that could keep them out of the postseason.