Sam Darnold, the new former Minnesota Vikings quarterback is primed to play against his former team. He’s looking forward to a big primetime matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Darnold’s year with the Vikings was arguably his best, making the Pro Bowl and leading the league in yards per attempt. His time in Minnesota was short-lived, capped off by a one-year contract that did not guarantee an extended stay.
Sam Darnold has had a wonderful effect this season. He is fifth in completion percentage at 69.5% and first in the entire league at 9.3 yards an attempt. He was working with the most run-heavy offense in the NFL. Even so, he threw 35 touchdown passes and led the Vikings to a stunning 14-3 record. That capability to scramble the battlefield got him plenty of MVP buzz, rounding out an incredible comeback from the last few years.
It hasn’t all gone according to plan for the rookie. In a painful defeat in Week 18, Darnold went just 18-of-41 for 166 yards. He had his own problems with giveaways, throwing 10 picks and losing four fumbles. Despite these issues, he’s still sixth in Total QBR at 69.5. Darnold hasn’t just survived, he’s been tough as nails, sacked just 11 times in 11 games.
It’s been an odyssey for Darnold’s career ever since being drafted the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He went on to play six seasons with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers. In the meantime, he put together a benchmark record of 21-35. That season, Darnold pulled off an incredible comeback. The Vikings chose not to use the franchise tag to retain him for at least one more season.
When someone noted the potential there for Darnold to someday return to Minnesota, Darnold looked back fondly on his time in the Gopher state.
“I’m very grateful for the time that I spent there, all the people that I created relationships with, all the people in that locker room, all the coaches there, the people in that building.” – Sam Darnold
As much as he loves the franchise, he’s keeping his eye on the goal of the next game—which will be against the Seattle Seahawks. Darnold’s success came despite the constant heat brought on by his former squad’s defensive coordinator, Brian Flores.
“Obviously a really great challenge for us going up against Flo, his defense and all the different problems that he can create for an offense.” – Sam Darnold
Darnold’s newfound perspective reflects a deeper self-awareness that speaks volumes about his drive to guide his new team back to contention. On the field this past season he started a culture shift of tremendous improvement. At the same time, he made progress across multiple areas of life.
“I’m happy for him, but we will blitz him this week. That’s for sure.” – Brian Flores
As he prepares for this pivotal game against Seattle, Darnold is ready to leverage his experiences from last season while looking ahead to what lies ahead.
“I think I improved in a lot of facets of my life, not only on the field, off the field as well.” – Sam Darnold
As he prepares for this pivotal game against Seattle, Darnold is ready to leverage his experiences from last season while looking ahead to what lies ahead.
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