Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
A weekend publication from VikingsTerritory, we present to you: the Vikings Nopedy Nopes of the week.
The nopedy nopes are weekly Minnesota Vikings-themed items that we’re not buying. It’s a spin-off of our rumor mill, and we hope you enjoy. Here is the 27th batch of Vikings nopedy nopes in the series’ history.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith doesn’t think Sam Darnold’s production is sustainable, likening Darnold to a “virus” this week.
“If you’re around some people with a cold enough, you’re going to get one. If you’re around some people with a virus, you’re going to get it. Contamination. You ever heard of that word? It happens,” Smith said Thursday about Darnold’s presence on the Vikings’ roster.
Darnold ranked tops in the NFL after Week 1 per EPA+CPOE and Pro Football Focus grade. He banked 208 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception, and a 79.2% completion percentage against the Giants.
“When you’re around certain situations, ultimately, you become a byproduct of that. That’s what I am saying of Sam Darnold. I’m telling you, you’re very hopeful and I can appreciate that. But you’re sitting up there, talking to us like we’re supposed to expect the high level of production from this brother. I’m not doing that. I got to see it to believe it. That’s all I’m saying,” Smith continued.
Smith’s declaration is something you say after Darnold has a bad game — not a Week 1-leading performance.
Verdict: Nopedy nope.
According to BR, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should sniff around cornerback C.J. Henderson’s free agency.
The purple team doesn’t need more volume in the CB room but to each their own regarding the Henderson endorsement. BR’s scouting department explained the recommendation: “The Vikings will likely have a tough time competing for a playoff spot this year with journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold under center. So the front office should try to fill the roster with young players to see who can stick around for the long haul.”
“Especially with Byron Murphy Jr. and Stephon Gilmore set to hit free agency, kicking the tires on a former first-round pick who is only 25 years old wouldn’t be a bad idea,” BR added. “Maybe Henderson can reduce the defense’s need for a corner in the offseason.”
The idea is neat, in spirit, but the Vikings don’t need any cornerback projects. They’ve got enough.
Verdict: Nopedy nope.
This one is pretty damn straightforward.
Per NFLPickWatch, a website that logs all experts’ predictions, only 8% of the NFL punditry believe the Vikings can beat the 49ers.
The world doesn’t believe Minnesota has the juice to compete with San Francisco.
Verdict: Nopedy nope.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.