USC Trojans from different decades linked up to create a touchdown for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Sam Darnold, a 2018 NFL draft pick, threw a beautiful ball to 2023 NFL draft pick Jordan Addison to give the Vikings an early lead in Wisconsin.
Darnold has found a good situation in Minnesota. Coach Kevin O’Connell knows how to give quarterbacks a winning plan. Darnold did not receive good quarterback coaching or a helpful offensive roadmap with the New York Jets or Carolina Panthers. With the San Francisco 49ers, he simply didn’t have much of a chance to play behind star signal-caller Brock Purdy. Now, in Minnesota with the Vikings, Darnold is surrounded by good coaching and good talent. Due to JJ McCarthy’s injury, Darnold has a chance to lead this team every week. It’s his offense. He’s the leader. There are no questions about this. Darnold isn’t looking over his shoulder. With Jordan Addison adding to the “USC Vikings,” the Minnesota passing game — like the Vikings themselves — has a chance to be well above average.
Caleb Williams is the USC quarterback who got most of the offseason attention in the NFC North. Sam Darnold is becoming the breakthrough NFL quarterback in the NFC North so far this season. What an unexpected development.
Sam Darnold has thrown 9 TDs already this season. The most in the NFL.
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/omOejaVUyH
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 29, 2024
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