A few months ago, no one paid attention to the Minnesota Vikings’ decision to sign quarterback Sam Darnold for the 2024 season. The latest NFL analysis, though, named the quarterback as a major steal during free agency.
The Vikings continue to impress in the early NFL season, achieving a surprising 3-0 start after a dominant 34-7 victory over the Houston Texans. Darnold played a pivotal role, tying his career high with four touchdown passes and leading the league with eight touchdowns so far this season. His performance has endeared him to Vikings fans, who celebrated his return from a minor knee injury with a warm ovation.
Darnold’s success has contributed to the Vikings becoming the first team in nine years to start 3-0 without being favored in any of those games. Their Super Bowl odds have improved significantly, reflecting the team’s unexpected competitiveness. Running back Aaron Jones, who joined the Vikings this season after a successful stint with the Green Bay Packers, praised the positive atmosphere within the team, noting that it feels different from his previous experiences.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson also had a strong outing, catching six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Despite a minor finger injury, he felt confident as the team maintained control throughout the game.
NFL Analysis Names Minnesota Vikings’ Sam Darnold as Major Free Agency Steal
Losing Kirk Cousins last summer proved to be a blessing in disguise as it allowed the Vikings to sign Darnold. In an NFL analysis by David Kenyon for Bleacher report, the quarterback was named as a major steal in free agency this year.
“If the Vikings truly viewed Darnold as the long-term answer, it wouldn’t have been a one-year deal. No, they trusted him enough to hold a stop-gap role if a rookie could not replace Kirk Cousins this year—and JJ McCarthy ended up with a season-ending knee injury in fall camp.
So far, Darnold has shattered our expectations.
He threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 1 win against the New York Giants. But then, Darnold put up 268 yards and two more scores with 32 rushing yards in an upset of the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s early, of course, but Darnold is yet another reminder of what a stable situation can do for a player,” Kenyon wrote.
Darnold’s resurgence with the Vikings offers hope for struggling rookie quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Bryce Young. After facing challenges early in his career, Darnold has found success in Minnesota, demonstrating the importance of the right fit and support.
As they prepare for a Week 4 showdown against the Green Bay Packers, Darnold expressed determination to keep pushing for improvement, highlighting that there’s still room to enhance their performance. The Vikings are clearly a team to watch as the season unfolds.
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