As the Vikings prepare for a big game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium, veteran quarterback Sam Darnold continues to play the position at an extremely high level.
He’s been so good that the Vikings might need to start thinking about altering their plans for the future. With Minnesota 13-2 and in the hunt for the NFC’s top playoff seed, the brass needs to decide whether they want to stick with Darnold for the foreseeable future rather or hand the keys over to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
That’s a conversation for another time, especially considering that Darnold has the Vikings looking like legitimate Super Bowl contenders. If they win Sunday against the Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium, and the Lions at Detroit on Jan. 5, the Vikings will earn the NFC’s top playoff seed and earn a first-round bye.
Here are the top five moments of Sam Darnold’s tenure with the Vikings so far:
5. The touchdown pass against the 49ers
If there was a sneak peek at how dynamic Darnold could be, it came in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. That’s when he dropped back to pass in the shadow of his own goal post and launched a ball skyward. On the other end, star receiver Justin Jefferson hauled in the perfectly placed ball and weaved his way to the end zone. It went down as an electrifying 97-yard touchdown pass to help the Vikings take control.
4. The crowd chanting his name against the Texans
The scene that showed how quickly Darnold had won over the fan base came after he absorbed a low hit in Week 3 against the Houston Texans. He limped off under his own power, then returned to the game after missing only one a play. As he trotted back into the huddle, Darnold received a massive ovation from everybody in attendance. The reaction meant everything to Darnold as his name reverberated throughout U.S. Bank Stadium.
3. The overtime drive against the Bears
The stage was set for Darnold to play hero in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. Never mind that the Vikings had just coughed up a lead in the final minutes of regulation; there was still a chance for Darnold to win the game in overtime. He proceeded to complete 6 of 6 passes for 90 yards to set up a chip shot field goal from kicker Parker Romo that won the game. That’s when it really started to feel as if something special is happening this season.
4. The touchdown pass against the Seahawks
A perfect encapsulation of Darnold’s incredible arm talent came in Week 16 against the Seattle Seahawks. With the Vikings suddenly trailing late in the game, Darnold flipped the script with arguably the best play of his career. After taking the snap under center, Darnold climbed the pocket to avoid pressure, then spotted Jefferson streaking toward the end zone more than 30 yards downfield. The result was a 39-yard touchdown pass that gave the Vikings a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. There are only a handful of quarterbacks in the NFL that could have made a throw like that. It was a special play from a special player.
1. The euphoria on the sideline against the Falcons
As impressive as Darnold was in Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons — he completed 22 of 28 passes for 347 yards and five touchdowns — the lasting image from the game itself came while he was on the sideline as the Vikings celebrated a blowout victory. The TV camera flashed to Darnold sitting on the bench, smiling as a series of “MVP! MVP! MVP!” chants rained down from the U.S. Bank stands. That was enough to get Darnold on his feet. He waved the towel over his head and fired up the home crowd. It was a rare display of emotion from Darnold that proved he had found a home.
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