Boisterous Vikings Critic Does Full 180

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Stephen A. Smith is on board.

Boisterous Vikings Critic Does Full 180

After three weeks of disbelief and an outright refusal to believe in quarterback Sam Darnold, Smith has changed his tune on the 2024 Vikings.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports.

Smith spoke with Vikings Hall of Famer Cris Carter on Tuesday, remaining quasi-defiant about his contention that Minnesota couldn’t achieve grand heights with Darnold at the top of the ticket. A day later, without Carter on the television screen, Smith revealed his power rankings — with Minnesota at No. 2, somehow ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs.

He explained, “Give me number two on the list, please. Bam! The Minnesota Vikings. Look y’all, Sam Darnold, I’ve got to give the man love. I ain’t telling y’all I’m going to do it in a couple of weeks because I know what I saw over the previous six years. But, thus far you see this brother flinging the football.”

Brad Rempel-Imagn Images,

Two weeks ago, Smith likened Darnold to a “virus” that would infect the Vikings locker room if not contained.

“You seen Kevin O’Connell and the way that he’s coaching this thing. You’ve seen that defense in Minnesota. I’ve got to give love and respect when it’s due. We know Jefferson is that dude, don’t even have Addison and those boys back. Watch the Minnesota Vikings. I’ve got to give credit where credit is due. They top two,” Smith added about Minnesota’s apparent climb.

After Minnesota took down San Francisco, Smith would not buy into the purple team when the rest of the world took notice. “I saw Sam Darnold over the last six years. I’m not a believer yet. I’m not rooting against him, against this kid. Got a really big arm. I get all of that. But I’m not sold on what I’m seeing yet,” Smith said on First Take last week when asked if Minnesota could make the playoffs.

Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports.

Smith added, “I know a lot of people are because Kevin O’Connell can really, really coach, and his staff is considered an exceptional coaching staff. And I get that. Maybe we’re seeing a new Sam Darnold that we’re going to be able to revere for years to come. I’m just not sure, guys. Not yet.”

The aforementioned Carter vociferously defended his old squad on a Tuesday First Take appearance, evidently changing Smith’s mind and likely ending his string of lousy Vikings-themed takes.

Minnesota travels to Green Bay this weekend for a date with the Packers and is expected to lose by two or three points.