I’m at a point now where, you know, I was saying to you prior to the season, we’re gonna get like 6 weeks into the season and just like, oh my God, we have Sam Darn as our quarterback, like we’re gonna do 17 weeks of this.
Now I’m like, uh, we might have to do 17 more weeks of this because as we sit here right now with how this offense looks right now with how he’s playing and obviously, the scene in the locker room afterwards, I just can’t imagine a scenario where they say, thank you for your service, Sam, we’re gonna go.
Go ahead and move on to the rookie quarterback who we haven’t seen at all because he’s had, he’s, he’s, he’s had two knee surgeries in the span of this entire, while this entire thing has been going on.
So, um, yeah, my, my resolution for the Vikings is, uh, you got to find a way to keep this little spontaneous adventure going with Sam Darnold, even no matter how this season ends, I think we have arrived at that point, which I did not expect to say.
Uh, I think I was probably saying the exact opposite of that, like a month and a half ago, on December 8th when they played the Falcons.
Every national reporter, you know, inside scoop person came out saying like, yeah, Vikings haven’t talked to Darnold at all, you know, it looks like that they’re gonna let this go and, you know, rip off the band-aid and go from there.
And he proceeded Chuck 5 touchdowns and 347 yards.
And then they beat the Bears, then they beat the Seahawks, he gets 3 touchdowns, beat the Packers, has his highest yards, touchdowns, all this stuff, plays very good football, basically for the last month.
I’m kind of with you, I kinda want to see this good times keep rolling.
McCarthy was supposed to Take some time anyways, he needs reps, so that, but that’s kind of a decision they have to make.
I mean, you could dangle him out there and just see, but I think they should just be creative.
Like, I don’t think they should commit to anything mentally right now.
I don’t think they are.
It’s a very smart team.
I really have, they have really Earned my respect, not that they didn’t have my respect before KOC and Quy, their, their general manager, but they, I, I just think now it’s like, well, they can do some cool things with this if they, they can stick a landing here.
I really do think that what that landing is, we’ll find out, but I do think that there’s some cool paths that they can go on with franchises and, trading one of them, keeping both, getting somewhere, shape or form where they just give themselves options, kind of keep the good times going.
Pros of Keeping or Acquiring Darnold
Potential as a Backup or Bridge QB: Darnold has shown flashes of talent during his career and could be a serviceable backup or bridge quarterback if the Vikings are transitioning from Kirk Cousins, especially since Cousins’ future in Minnesota is uncertain due to his expiring contract and injury recovery.
System Fit: The Vikings’ offensive system, led by Kevin O’Connell, might suit Darnold, particularly if he can thrive in a quarterback-friendly scheme with strong weapons like Justin Jefferson and a solid offensive line.
Low Risk: Darnold would likely come at an affordable price in either a trade or free agency, making him a low-risk option.
Cons of the Move
Darnold’s Consistency: Despite moments of brilliance, Darnold has struggled with turnovers and inconsistent play throughout his career. Would he truly be an upgrade or a reliable backup?
Drafting for the Future: The Vikings may prioritize drafting a young quarterback in the 2024 draft rather than investing in a journeyman QB.
Current Needs: The Vikings have other pressing needs, like shoring up their defense and offensive line depth, which could take precedence over adding a QB like Darnold.
Bottom Line
While acquiring or retaining Darnold could be a stopgap solution, the Vikings’ New Year’s resolution may be better focused on finding a long-term quarterback solution through the draft or another younger free agent. Unless Darnold is seen as a true fit for their offensive system and vision, it might not be the right move.