The Resurgence of Sam Darnold
Written by Vir Rawal
12/23/24
After years of inconsistency and unfulfilled potential, Sam Darnold has found new life as the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. A career that began with high expectations as the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft now seems to be on a remarkable comeback, leading many to wonder what’s changed for the once written off quarterback. Through a combination of improved play and a supporting cast that amplifies his strengths, Darnold’s resurgence has become one of the most compelling storylines of the 2024 NFL season.
Darnold’s statistical turnaround has been drastic In the 2023 season, Darnold’s performance with the 49ers was uninspiring, posting just 1,153 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 10 games, with a passer rating of 78.5. By contrast, his numbers this year with the Vikings tell a completely different story. Through the first 12 games of the 2024 season, Darnold has already surpassed expectations with 3,400 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and just 9 interceptions. His passer rating has skyrocketed to an impressive 103.4, marking the best season of his career to date.
Darnold is also far more accurate while throwing the ball. After completing just 58% of his passes in 2023, he has completed 67.2% of his passes this year. Additionally, Darnold has shown greater poise under pressure, reducing his sack rate from 9.5% last season to 6.8%.
When comparing Darnold to the top QBs in the NFL we see even more positives. Statistically, Darnold stacks up surprisingly well. His 3,400 passing yards rank fifth in the league, while his 27 touchdown passes are tied for third. In terms of passer rating, his 103.4 places him just behind MVP frontrunners like Patrick Mahomes (107.2) and Jalen Hurts (104.6).
While Darnold may not have the rushing upside of Lamar Jackson or the pure arm talent of Josh Allen, Darnold’s balanced and steady play has provided the Vikings with a level of consistency they haven’t seen since the days of Case Keenum’s improbable 2017 season and despite preseason predictions has actually been an improvement from Kirk Cousins statistically.
The success of Darnold this season can be attributed to several factors, including the Vikings’ offensive scheme and a talented supporting cast. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has tailored the offense to fit Darnold’s strengths, emphasizing quick reads and play-action passes that capitalize on the team’s strong running game and dynamic receiving corps. Additionally, the Vikings’ offensive line has provided excellent protection, allowing just 18 sacks through 12 games—among the best in the league.
As the Vikings continue their playoff push, Darnold’s resurgence has silenced many of his critics and proven that, in the right environment, he can thrive. Whether he can sustain this level of play remains to be seen, but for now, Sam Darnold is back in the spotlight—and this time, he’s there to stay.
