Sam Darnold Is Loving His Weaponry

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.

When the Minnesota Vikings signed Sam Darnold, the thought process was that he could provide competent quarterback play until J.J. McCarthy was ready to take over. No one expected him to start all season, but those plans quickly changed when the rookie first-round pick suffered a season-ending knee injury. If Darnold was going to work, it would always be because of an ideal circumstance, and he showed that again on Sunday.

Sam Darnold Is Loving His Weaponry

Minnesota brought in Aaron Jones as a veteran running back to right the rushing attack. Alexander Mattison failed to be a legitimate option last season, and the former Green Bay Packer has largely carried the load. On Sunday, his fumbling issues reared their head, and ineffectiveness resulted in just 22 yards on five carries. That didn’t stop Darnold.

Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings quarterback dropped back 31 times against Arizona. He completed 21 passes, which were spread among seven different targets. Of course, it’s great to have an otherworldly talent like Justin Jefferson. Sometimes, though, the defense does everything it can to take him away. He got his with 99 yards on seven receptions, but everyone else also chipped in.

Darnold doesn’t need to be locked in on just one target. Jordan Addison was targeted six times, as was superstar tight end T.J. Hockenson. Johnny Mundt caught a touchdown pass, and Jalen Nailor was the receiver on a pair of throws as well. Brandon Powell got in the action, and Jones grabbed the game-winning touchdown on a throw, too.

Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images.

It’s that amount of weapons that gives Darnold a chance on a weekly basis. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has done a wonderful job in continuing to develop his quarterback. Darnold has set himself up to benefit from a sizable payday this offseason. How that goes remains to be seen, but he’ll never have the complement of talent that Minnesota has provided him.

The Vikings were an ideal landing spot for any rookie quarterback in the draft. They would also provide that same opportunity to whatever veteran bridge option they went with, which has played out as one would hope. Sam Darnold has taken hold of the opportunity in front of him and continues executing it every week.

Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Minnesota wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) makes a catch but is later reversed for only one for coming down against the Tennessee Titans. © Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

Having this many options to utilize is an embarrassment of riches, but it’s just Minnesota’s reality.

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 daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.