As Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned, he is not interested in how quarterback Sam Darnold's career has unfolded. Instead, he focuses on how the former USC standout can help their cause. Darnold has been excellent behind center through three games this season and is a vital contributor to their 3-0 start.
The former third-overall pick is having a resurgence. He is completing 67.9 percent of his throws (53 of 78) for 657 passing yards and a league-leading eight touchdowns. More importantly, Pro Football Focus revealed how efficient he is when the Vikings offense reaches the red zone.
Darnold leads the league with an 88.2 passing grade when the Vikings are in that area. He also has the most completions (14) and touchdowns (6) among quarterbacks from that spot. In addition to helping his team score points, he doesn’t have turnover-worthy plays in the red zone either.
Sam Darnold in the red zone this season:
— PFF (@PFF) September 25, 2024
88.2 passing grade (1st)
14 completions (1st)
6 TDs (1st)
0 turnover worthy plays pic.twitter.com/otkDVWsJfS
While Darnold isn’t among the top ten quarterbacks in passing yards, he is third in passer rating (117.3) and fifth in ESPN’s QBR (73.5). To summarize these numbers, he is fulfilling the potential that NFL scouts saw when he became a first-round selection in the 2018 draft.
However, Darnold and the Vikings would instead look at the present and the near future. Therefore, they can maintain their promising start by defeating their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in their Week 4 showdown at Lambeau Field.
-Lance Fernandez