The renaissance of quarterback Sam Darnold continues.

After leading the Vikings to a 14-2 record while rewriting the narrative on his career, Darnold has been selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time.

The stats speak for themselves this season as Darnold has completed 68.1 percent of his passes for 4,153 yards and 35 touchdowns. He also leads the NFL with 13 games with at least a 100.0 passer rating, narrowly behind future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who holds the NFL record with 14 games.

More important, Darnold has become the straw that stirs the drink for the Vikings, who are in position to win the NFC North and secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs heading into a pivotal game against the Lions on Sunday night at Ford Field in Detroit.

Star receiver Justin Jefferson, edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., and long snapper Andrew DePaola also were selected to the Pro Bowl. This is the first time Greenard (11 sacks), Van Ginkel (11½ sacks), and Murphy Jr. (6 interceptions) have been selected to the Pro Bowl.

The alternates for the Vikings include fullback C.J. Ham, tight end T.J. Hockenson, center Garrett Bradbury, right tackle Brian O’Neill, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, safety Josh Metellus, and special teams ace Trent Sherfield.

In lieu of the actual football game that used to be played, the NFL recently reimagined what the Pro Bowl looks like, shifting to a competition format featuring a number of skills challenges, as well as a flag football game that will take place on Feb. 2 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

In a perfect world for the Vikings, none of their players will participate in the Pro Bowl, as that would mean they are preparing for the Super Bowl.

Cashman’s impact

It should be noted that the last time the Vikings played the Lions, they did not have linebacker Blake Cashman in the mix. His presence might have made a world of a difference considering everything he does on defense.

The Vikings, in fact, have not lost a game this season when Cashman has been on the field, not that Cashman is taking too much stock in that particular stat.

“At this point, both teams are already very familiar with each other and everything we do is out there on tape,” Cashman said. “It comes down to play style and being detailed in our scheme.”

Taimani’s progress

It sounds like the Vikings could be getting some help on the interior of the defensive line ahead of the playoffs. Asked about rookie defensive tackle Taki Taimani, who has been on injured reserve with an ankle injury, head coach Kevin O’Connell said, “He’s getting close.”

Though the emergence of defensive tackle Jalen Redmond has been helpful, Taimani could provide added depth in the trenches.

“That’s definitely a guy that we’re monitoring closely about potentially finding a window here, and with us playing beyond Sunday in some capacity,” O’Connell said. “It’s definitely something we’re talking about.”

Briefly

On the injury report, the Vikings listed edge rusher Pat Jones II (knee) and linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (illness) as a non participants. Running back Aaron Jones (quad), cornerback Fabian Moreau (hip), and right guard Ed Ingram (back) were listed as limited.