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Sam Darnold

“Let’s Not Act Like This Is The Second Coming Of Dan Marino”: Stephen A. Smith Doubts Sam Darnold Leading Vikings Over Lions

Stephen A. Smith believes Sam Darnold will not stand a chance against Jared Goff and the Lions. 

Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings are all set to square off in an intense NFL battle at Ford Field. The Vikings will take on the Lions in an exciting NFC North Division title showdown. It’s going to be an epic showdown between Darnold and Lions QB Jared Goff.

Both quarterbacks have played exceptional roles in bringing their teams to this position. Yet, this game will be a turning point, as the best will be the winner. Darnold has led the Vikings incredibly well despite signing for the team in March.

The Vikings fought hard to remain a threat to the Lions, and Darnold played a huge role in their success. While many believe that the Vikings star could help secure the division title, Stephen A. Smith begs to defer. Smith is known for being honest about his opinions. He believes Darnold will not stand a chance against Goff and the mighty Lions.

“We’re talking about Sam Darnold, the man hasn’t thrown for 300 yards since November 24th against Chicago. Let’s not act like this is the second coming of Dan Marino,” Smith said.

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Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) pitches the ball to Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (27) during their football game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin via Imagn Images

Sam Darnold Becomes One Of The Top Free Agent Signings In 2024

Darnold’s numbers speak for themselves, and it’s safe to say the Vikings are where they are because of him. The QB is undoubtedly one of the top free-agent signings in 2024. The Vikings are making the best of Darnold on his short-term contract.

Likewise, Darnold is making the best of the Vikings to revive his career. This season has been nothing but a strong comeback for Darnold. With close to 4,200 passing yards and a 68.1 percent completion rate, Darnold has carried the weight of his team.

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Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The 2018 third-overall pick proved his worth, and he’s predicted to get a huge contract after this season. Irrespective of the Vikings winning the Super Bowl, Sam Darnold is on his way to a bright future.

While Smith feels that Darnold has been in a slump since November, Vikings fans would agree. Darnold showed up for his team when they needed him, and his constant contribution has helped the team stay ahead of the Packers in their division.

On Sunday, Sam Darnold will play one of the most important games of his career against the Lions. A victory against the Lions will prove Smith wrong and make him a hero in the eyes of Vikings fans. 

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Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) walks off the field after the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

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Follow me on X at @ErnestLeo, and follow us at @WisconsinHeroics, @HardwoodHeroics and @GridironHeroics. You can also reach out to Ernest Hernandez via email at ernestleo@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!

Ernest also manages a YouTube account called Sports On Air with over 103 thousand subscribers. The channel contains interviews predominantly from the Philippine Basketball Association. They can be reached at sportsonairph@gmail.com.

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About Ernest Leo Hernandez

Ernest has been a sportswriter for more than 10 years and has written for the top broadsheets in the Philippines, like Manila Bulletin and Philippine Star. He also wrote for NBA.com Philippines and had a two-year stint with Sportskeeda before landing at Gridiron Heroics. Aside from writing, Ernest is also a sportscaster, radio host and manages a YouTube channel, Sports On Air, which has over 100 thousand subscribers.

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