In a game that left fans buzzing, Sam Darnold threw four touchdown passes as the Minnesota Vikings trounced the Houston Texans 34-7 on Sunday, giving the Vikings their first 3-0 start since 2016.
With a balanced attack on offense and a stifling defense, Minnesota is emerging as one of the NFL’s most surprising stories this season.
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Darnold acting like a franchise star and not a ‘placeholder’
Darnold, whose career has been marked by unmet expectations and brief stints with multiple teams, is thriving under head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system.
He completed 17 of 28 passes for 181 yards, with each of his four touchdown passes going to a different receiver.
His performance, combined with Minnesota’s defense allowing just 30 points in three games, has the Vikings looking like legitimate contenders.
It’s a far cry from the Darnold of old.
Once seen as a draft bust with the New York Jets and a failed trade with the Carolina Panthers, Darnold’s current form is something few saw coming.
With eight touchdown passes in just three games-leading the NFL in that stat line-he’s proving to be the key to Minnesota’s early success.
J.J. McCarthy cheering on Sam Darnold
One fan who’s watching Darnold’s resurgence closely is J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings’ quarterback of the future, who’s sidelined while recovering from knee surgery.
McCarthy took to social media during the game, posting on X, “Sam Darnold is good at football,” capturing the growing sentiment around the league.
The Vikings’ domination started early in the first quarter when linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill intercepted a tipped C.J. Stroud pass on Houston’s first series.
Darnold capitalized immediately, connecting with star receiver Justin Jefferson for a 5-yard touchdown, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
By halftime, the Vikings held a commanding 21-0 lead, with Darnold throwing two touchdowns by that point.
Darnold’s success is partially due to his newfound ability to limit mistakes.
Despite taking a low hit in the third quarter that briefly sidelined him, Darnold returned to a standing ovation and showed no signs of slowing down.
His steady play and smart decision-making have allowed him to post eight touchdowns without a single interception this season.
As it stands, the are one of the few undefeated teams left in the league, and their blend of defenVikingssive dominance and unexpected offensive firepower has them looking more formidable by the week.
Only time will tell how far Darnold and this rejuvenated squad can go, but the early signs are certainly promising.
