Sam Darnold Leads Minnesota Vikings to 10th Win of the Season
Sam Darnold has emerged as the unlikely star of the 2024 season, leading the Minnesota Vikings to their third 10-win season in six years with a close victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Darnold, a castoff quarterback who was likely set to be a backup, staked his claim on Sunday as the man to beat for Comeback Player of the Year.
Darnold took the Vikings down the field on an eight-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Jones, giving Minnesota a 23-22 lead with 1:13 left in the game. He was 21-of-31 with 235 passing yards and two touchdown passes, solidifying the biggest comeback of his career.
The Vikings’ victory was secured when Minnesota cornerback Shaquil Griffin picked off Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to end the game. Murray’s touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. had put Arizona up 19-6 with 4:37 left in the third quarter, but Darnold answered with a touchdown pass to Johnny Mundt on the next drive.
Minnesota is now 10-2 on the season, while Arizona fell to 6-6. Darnold’s performance has propelled the Vikings back into the playoff picture, and he is on the verge of getting the team back to the postseason.