MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — After spending a year as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers, in 2024 Sam Darnold arrived at the Minnesota Vikings theoretically to help with the development of rookie J.J. McCarthy and serve as a “bridge” until the quarterback, the tenth pick in the last Draft, took over as the starter at the end of this season or the next.
But McCarthy tore the meniscus in his right knee during preseason and is out for the current season, leaving all offensive responsibility to 27-year-old Darnold.
And far from what could have been anticipated, the third selection in the 2018 Draft who did not meet expectations as a starter with the Jets and the Panthers, has the Vikings undefeated and surprisingly leading the NFC North Division.
Darnold's great game against the Texans
Sam Darnold tied a personal career record with four touchdown passes and thanks to another dominant defensive performance, the Vikings defeated the Texans 34-7 on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.
Jonathan Greenard achieved three out of the four sacks on Stroud, his former teammate, while the Vikings intercepted the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year twice in 2023, dominating the Texans (2-1) with their aggressive defensive scheme.
Darnold connected with Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones for touchdowns in the first quarter on third downs within the 10-yard line. In the second half, he found Jalen Nailor for another touchdown, the third one with him in the season, and they invited tight end Johnny Mundt to the party with one more.
Jefferson had six catches for 81 yards and Jones ran 19 times for 102 yards and caught five passes for 46 yards for the Vikings.
Darnold completed 17 of 28 passes for 181 yards without turning the ball over and matched his best streak with three wins as a starter, something he had not achieved in three years.
Before the season started, the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers appeared as the top candidates to win the NFC North Division. Both teams are currently 2-1. Some analyses even placed Minnesota below the Chicago Bears, who were threatening to compete thanks to rookie Caleb Williams. So far, the first draft pick has been a disappointment, unlike Darnold and the Vikings.