The Vikings’ only touchdown came when TJ Hockenson grabbed a Darnold pass behind him and rolled it 26 yards for his first touchdown of the season, making the score 27-9. But Justin Jefferson was tackled just outside the end zone on a two-point conversion attempt after catching Darnold’s pass.

Early in the fourth quarter, with the Vikings facing a third-and-8 at the Rams’ 37, Darnold evaded the pressure after making his way into the pocket and retreated all the way to midfield before Braden Fiske pulled him to the ground. The Vikings had to punt on fourth-and-21 after the 13-yard loss.

The Rams took a knee after the ninth sack against Darnold and secured a matchup with the Eagles on Sunday in Philadelphia. O’Connell exchanged a quick hug with his old boss Sean McVay and the Vikings quietly left the field. Greenard, Cashman, Andrew Van Ginkel and Kamu Grugier-Hill briefly posed for a photo together as they headed to the locker room. After exchanging jerseys with a Rams player, Josh Metellus saluted a group of Vikings fans gathered by the tunnel.

Later, co-owners Zygi and Jonathan Wilf emerged from the locker room in a daze, looking as if they were in complete disbelief.

As the Vikings said goodbye, fans were sent into another chilly offseason of waiting and wondering.