Sam Darnold, the MVP Favorite?

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Sam Darnold
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

This off-season the Minnesota Vikings spent $10 million to bring in veteran Sam Darnold. They opted against paying a ridiculous sum to keep veteran Kirk Cousins. With future franchise quarterback J.J. McCarthy on the shelf, the veteran placeholder is balling out.

The Minnesota Vikings have turned Sam Darnold into a superstar

There was always a reason to believe that Sam Darnold could turn his career around with the Minnesota Vikings. Kevin O’Connell is a much better coach than anything the former third overall pick has experienced previously. Minnesota employs skill position players that Darnold has never seen. Now a former NFL defender is starting the MVP train.

Ryan Clark has seen some football. Like any analyst, he has also made some preposterous statements. There’s nothing crazy about suggesting that Darnold is currently the most valuable player in football. With the expectation that the veteran could be pushed to keep his job, he has instead started to establish himself a sizable new payday.

Related: JJ McCarthy Trolls Sam Darnold After Michigan Comeback vs USC

Darnold’s eight passing touchdowns lead all of football. He has lit up three opposing defenses despite not having a full complement of weapons in any of those contests. To say that his start has been incredible is putting it lightly.

Can Sam Darnold keep it going for Minnesota?

Week 3 was a big one for the Minnesota Vikings. The New York Giants may wind up being among the worst teams in all of football. Although Minnesota had to go on the road, that was a game they were expected to win. After besting the 49ers, they substantiated the reality with another huge win. Right now, it’s impossible to conclude anything but Darnold being legit.

Next week presents another significant test as the Vikings head to Green Bay for a game against the Packers. The top rival is expected to have starting quarterback Jordan Love back under center. Understandably Minnesota won’t be favored in that game. If they can go into enemy territory and have Darnold again play at a high level, eyes will be turned even further.

Related: Official: Minnesota Vikings are the Real Deal

There’s a reality in which Sam Darnold takes his talents overseas and beats the New York Jets veteran Aaron Rodgers. At that point Darnold will have taken the whole world by storm. It’s crazy how this next chapter of his career is being written, but O’Connell and his quarterback are in lockstep.

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