2-Time NFL MVP Has Sam Darnold Sitting on a Big Week…

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Sam Darnold
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

If the Minnesota Vikings are good in 2024, it will be thanks to Sam Darnold. They have a incredibly talented skill position players, and the defense should be improved. NFL teams go as their quarterback do, though. It’s the most important position in sports.

Kurt Warner has Sam Darnold sitting on a big week one

Kurt Warner knows a thing or two about football. The Hall of Fame quarterback has a pair of MVP awards and a Super Bowl ring. He is also a believer in the Minnesota Vikings, this week vs the New York Giants, specifically the aforementioned QB, Sam Darnold.

“I always like great stories. This is a guy that was drafted in New York. He’s going back to New York with a different team. I love his supporting cast, this being Sam Darnold. His supporting cast in Minnesota. Coach O’Connell first of all, but Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, you got Aaron Jones in the backfield. Best weapons he’s had around him. I believe he goes into New York and has a great performance in Week 1.”

Kurt Warner on Sam Darnold (NFL Network)

The Vikings are slight road favorites on Sunday, and they need to prove sportsbooks right. A week one loss, given the competition that comes after, would be a grave mistake.

Following the Giants, KOC & Co get the Niners, Texans and Packers back-to-back-to-back, before flying to London for a week 5 “home game” vs the New York Jets.

Related: Another Sam Darnold Believer Surfaces

Very few national analysts are giving the Vikings much hope this season, but that was true about the 2023 Houston Texans, too. In both situations, there was an unknown at quarterback.

Last year, C.J. Stroud was a top pick for Houston, and he wound up proving himself as the most NFL-ready QB in his draft class, but he also had a good team around him. Darnold has the same 1st round pedigree as Stroud.

Minnesota Vikings crossing their fingers and hoping for Texans-style results

Now, he’ll get his first starting opportunity, in an ideal QB scenario. Maybe Darnold flops, yet again. If so, his career as a starter would effectively be over. But… what if he doesn’t?

The key for Darnold out of the gate will be to stay within himself. He is certainly looking to rewrite the narrative on his career. Not all chapters must be complete after Week 1.

The Giants aren’t a juggernaut, and Minnesota will have an offensive advantage. If O’Connell can get Darnold comfortable early with some easy completions, he may be rolling late.

As good as the Vikings pass catching options are, not everything has to be done through the air. O’Connell is an offensive-minded head coach, and he does lean on the pass, but Aaron Jones is a new commodity.

Related: “Watch Out” – NFL Sleeping on Vikings New Running Back?

The Vikings may have the best running back they have employed since O’Connell took over, and that should provide relief for Darnold as well. Sam doesn’t need to worry about who discounts him, outside of the locker room. As long as he can gain the trust and belief from those in it, the Vikings will be in a good spot.

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