It’s All About Sam Darnold
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Sam Darnold became the first QB in #Vikings history to post a 100+ passer rating in each of the team’s first four games to start a season, tying the longest streak among all quarterbacks league wide since 1970. pic.twitter.com/5Q3aZSdkQW
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 29, 2024
Right now, Sam Darnold is riding the crest of a wave. When he signed for the Vikings, he was stepping into, by far, the best situation he has ever had as a (potential) starting quarterback. The injury to JJ McCarthy meant Darnold had the full season to grasp his big chance, and that is exactly what he is doing. He is leading the Vikings to a 4-0 start, leading the league with 11 touchdown passes, and performing at an elite level.
Aaron Jones told Chris Simms that it’s no surprise to him or anyone else in Minnesota how good Darnold is playing right now.
Darnold is on historic pace with four games with a passer rating north of 100 to start the season. It is the first time a Vikings QB has achieved that feat and the first team any QB has since 1970. At current pace, Darnold’s stats over a 17-game season would be 3961 passing yards and a whopping 46.75 touchdown passes. Few men have ever thrown that many touchdowns in a single season.
Former Player Reactions
I always enjoy seeing former players basking in the glory of their team’s success. One amusing thing going on at the moment is the interactions between Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith.
Smith was unconvinced Darnold could maintain his start to the season with the Vikings. Carter vociferously defended his old team on a Tuesday First Take appearance, which later led to a complete 180 from Smith as he jumped aboard the Vikings bandwagon. Evidently, Carter is looking forward to what Smith has to say after yet another Vikings win.
Former Vikings running back and Fox Sports analyst Robert Smith perfectly summed up being a Vikings fan in a humourous fashion. In a game that looked to be comfortable, the Vikings inevitably made it stressful for their fans before sealing the win. In the end, a divisional win on the road is a huge result early in the season.