EAGAN, Minn. — Sam Darnold showcased his impressive skills during a third-and-8 situation as he skillfully navigated a collapsing pocket, avoiding a sack and breaking away through a narrow gap. His running throw traveled 45 yards, landing perfectly in the hands of Justin Jefferson, who was astonishingly uncovered within the 10-yard line. Jefferson maneuvered his way into the end zone, putting the Minnesota Vikings ahead 21-13. This marked the beginning of a commanding fourth-quarter performance against the Atlanta Falcons.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his admiration for Darnold’s play, hinting at the rarity of such a throw and noting Darnold’s pivotal role in the team’s strategy. The 42-21 victory on Sunday was not only the Vikings’ sixth straight win but also solidified their choice to move on from Kirk Cousins after he signed elsewhere, opting instead for a more budget-friendly quarterback.
Darnold has truly found his rhythm under O’Connell’s leadership, which emphasizes quarterback development and play-calling, while benefiting from a talented receiving corps led by Jefferson. This comes after Darnold struggled to find a supportive environment earlier in his career, particularly following the injury of rookie J.J. McCarthy. With a defense that ranks among the best in the league, allowing an average of only 18.5 points per game and leading in interceptions with 20, the Vikings present a formidable challenge in the postseason.
In an impressive showing, Darnold entered the record books as the ninth quarterback in NFL history, and the first since Aaron Rodgers in 2019, to achieve these specific statistics in a game: over 325 passing yards, five touchdown passes, a completion rate of 75% or higher, no interceptions, and a passer rating exceeding 155. Highlighting the offense’s success, Jefferson and Jordan Addison had a combined 15 receptions for 265 yards and five touchdowns.
“This is definitely the type of game we aim to replicate every week,” Jefferson remarked. “The energy and tempo we exhibited, along with our ability to execute plays, were crucial.” Notably, Darnold’s outstanding 52-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson, who cleverly navigated a defense preoccupied by other targets, showcased his ability to exploit defensive weaknesses.
Darnold’s capacity to extend plays despite being sacked 40 times this season demonstrates his athleticism and awareness, allowing him to capitalize on matchups with his talented receivers. However, the Vikings’ defense has shown vulnerabilities recently, surrendering their highest rushing yard totals of the season over the past weeks, averaging nearly 5 yards per carry. As they prepare for final games against division rivals Green Bay and Detroit, they will face formidable rushing attacks.
On a positive note, rookie Jalen Redmond made his first career start, leading the interior defensive linemen with 39 snaps and contributing significantly with two tackles for loss and two deflected passes. He previously went undrafted, was released by Carolina earlier this year, and had a stint in the United Football League before joining the Vikings.
Conversely, Will Reichard returned successfully with six made extra points but struggled on a 47-yard field-goal attempt which hit the upright. In terms of injuries, cornerback Stephon Gilmore was sidelined due to a hamstring issue, as was backup outside linebacker Patrick Jones with a knee problem. Linebacker Ivan Pace is also expected to miss at least two more games due to a hamstring strain.
Kevin O’Connell’s coaching record of 31-16 gives him a .660 winning percentage, marking the highest in Vikings history, surpassing Bud Grant’s .621. Among active coaches, he stands fourth overall.
Next up, the Vikings will conclude their three-game homestand on Monday night against the Chicago Bears, having previously edged them out in a narrow overtime victory three weeks prior. Currently, the Vikings hold a two-game lead over the Packers for the first NFC wild card spot and can secure a playoff berth with either another win or a loss by the Los Angeles Rams, the last team to defeat them. Nevertheless, to claim the NFC North title, the Vikings may need additional losses from the Lions, even if they win all their upcoming matches.
