Sam Darnold’s NFL career has been marked by his journey through multiple teams, starting with the New York Jets as the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His stints with the Carolina Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers have now led him to the Minnesota Vikings, where he is slated to be the Week 1 starter against the New York Giants. Backing him up is rookie J.J. McCarthy from Michigan.
At 27 years old, Darnold is expected to lead the team while McCarthy, just 21, develops his skills. Last season, Darnold had limited playing time with the 49ers, completing 60.9% of his passes for 297 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. This season with the Vikings, observers are keen to see if he can hold the starting position throughout.
During the first week of Vikings training camp, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported that Darnold showcased his ability to throw deep passes, hitting receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison accurately. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has noted Darnold’s precise placement of deep balls and suggested that sometimes the quarterbacks should opt for long shots instead of check-down passes.
Darnold’s ability to arc the ball into tight sideline gaps has also been evident. However, assessing his performance on difficult in-traffic throws over the middle is challenging during training camp. These throws require scrutiny as it’s unclear whether near interceptions result from receiver route errors, Darnold forcing throws into tight windows, or intentional risks to test boundaries during practice. Only the coaching staff, reviewing the detailed film, can fully understand these nuances.
Looking forward, it remains to be seen how often O’Connell will incorporate deep passes into the game plan, especially with top-tier receivers like Jefferson and Addison. Jefferson, one of the NFL’s elite wideouts, alongside Addison, who proved his potential as a rookie, provide Darnold with formidable targets.
Despite Darnold’s potential, his history of questionable decision-making on long throws could become an issue. If Darnold struggles or the Vikings fall out of playoff contention, fans might call for McCarthy to take over. McCarthy’s opportunity could arise either due to an injury to Darnold or if the team’s season goes off track.
In conclusion, Sam Darnold’s tenure with the Minnesota Vikings is at a pivotal point. His performance in the upcoming season will be crucial not only for his career but also for the team’s success. With talented receivers at his disposal and a supportive coaching staff, Darnold has the tools to succeed. However, the pressure is on to make smart decisions and consistently deliver strong performances. Otherwise, the Vikings might turn to McCarthy as they look to build for the future.
Leave a Reply