Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold joins Vikings Entertainment Network's Gabe Henderson and discusses being coached now by his former New York Jets teammate, Josh McCown, being a big UFC fan, his journey through the NFL and more. Darnold became a Vikings in March 2024 after Kirk Cousins left for the Atlanta Falcons.
On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings will take on the New York Giants. Kevin O’Connell’s roster has 53 players, but the focus begins and ends with quarterback Sam Darnold. The Vikings desperately need the former first-round pick to play like they believe he can. After one contest, we’ll have an idea of what the season should look like.
It’s great that the Minnesota Vikings have allocated assets towards their defense. Rookie Dallas Turner should be a blast during his regular season debut. Stephon Gilmore makes his first appearance in purple and Ivan Pace Jr. enters year two.
On the offensive side, we get a healthy Justin Jefferson. Aaron Jones joins the team and says all the right things when suggesting what he has left in the tank. Kevin O’Connell will need his playmakers to show up for Minnesota, and that’s where Darnold factors in.
The Vikings are Darnold’s team to run this season. J.J. McCarthy is not coming back this year — any ability to sink or swim falls on the shoulders of Darnold. Regardless of what anyone else does to help out during the 60-minute affair, Darnold will need to look competent.
Minnesota isn’t seeking perfection from Darnold. He has flopped in two previous stops, and a level of mediocrity would have been a welcomed barometer to clear. The Vikings probably can’t handle Darnold simply being mediocre, but the bar beyond that doesn’t have to be much higher. If Darnold can spread the football and get the talent around him involved, everyone should benefit.
Against an opponent like the Giants, O’Connell would be given nightmare fuel if his quarterback proved to be incapable out of the gate. The Vikings aren’t interested in tanking for a draft pick, but without a signal caller, they won’t find themselves able to bring home many victories.
Plenty of outsiders are still doubting Darnold. It is logical to take that stance until he proves them otherwise, and that process begins in earnest 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 weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.