Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) after the 17-23 win against New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images.
There is no other way to put it short of calling Sam Darnold’s performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars absolutely horrible. His decision-making left plenty to be desired, and the three interceptions were mind-numbingly frustrating. Thankfully, he put all that behind him on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
Kevin O’Connell was taking his Minnesota Vikings on the road for a second straight week. Despite the ugly win against the Jaguars, sportsbooks still had Minnesota as more than a touchdown favorite against the Titans. At times, it didn’t look pretty, but Darnold did more than get the job done.
Minnesota’s quarterback went 20-of-32 for 246 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He hit Jordan Addison on a wonderful deep ball for a touchdown. He continuously put the football in the right spots and wasn’t trying to force the action anywhere. Unlike the week before, it was a game of good decision-making for Darnold.
There was also an exceptional level of pocket presence. On multiple occasions, Tennessee pass rushers found themselves with an opportunity to put their hands on the Vikings signal caller. He did take a pair of sacks, but he evaded the pressure on more than one occasion and generated 18 yards rushing on the ground as well.
Unfortunately, Darnold was credited with the fumble that hit Aaron Jones in the hands on a pitch. It would have given him a game without a turnover and is something he’d love to distance himself from as the season progresses. The most important reality from that early game play was that the Vikings didn’t let things spiral to impact their game the rest of the way.
There is no doubt that Darnold will have his own limitations on a weekly basis. We have seen that play out in multiple games to this point. The best-case scenario is when he plays within himself and positions teammates to make contributions that put forth a winning effort overall.
Darnold has another opportunity to grab a victory on Sunday, and he’ll face a lesser test in the defense of the Chicago Bears. Tennessee has a capable unit that can make life hard for opposing offenses. Darnold stepped up and passed that challenge. He must keep the ball rolling against a divisional opponent this weekend.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.