Coming into this season, quarterback Sam Darnold was considered a bust and nothing greater than a good backup.
He was thrust into the beginning position for the Minnesota Vikings when rookie J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending damage in the course of the preseason, and nearly everybody predicted doom and gloom.
However now, with a 14-2 report, the Vikings are in place to win the NFC North and declare the highest seed within the convention.
To win the division and clinch home-field benefit via the convention championship sport, Darnold and his teammates must defeat the Detroit Lions, who even have a 14-2 report, on “Sunday Evening Soccer.”
Regardless of that chance, ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith doesn’t appear to consider in Darnold.
“We’re speaking about Sam Darnold … The person hasn’t thrown for 300 yards since Nov. 24 in opposition to Chicago. … Let’s not act like that is the second coming of Dan Marino,” Smith mentioned on “First Take,” through JPAFootball.
Stephen A Smith on Sam Darnold:
“We’re speaking about Sam Darnold, the person hasn’t thrown for 300 yards since November twenty fourth in opposition to Chicago. Let’s not act like that is the second coming of Dan Marino.”pic.twitter.com/6LvFOHBv4i
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) January 2, 2025
Darnold’s numbers are pretty much as good as these of some other quarterback within the NFL this season: 4,153 passing yards, 35 passing touchdowns and a 68.1 % completion price.
However for individuals who could also be anticipating him to be an elite QB from right here on out for the remainder of his profession, one has to surprise if his play this yr is sustainable.
There have been quarterbacks who’ve struggled for a number of years, went to a brand new crew and performed nicely for a yr or two, solely to then regress afterward.
It will likely be fascinating to see how Darnold offers with NFL defenses adjusting to what he has executed this season beginning in 2025, particularly if the soon-to-be free agent is carrying a unique uniform.
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