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Minnesota Vikings' Sam Darnold Undefeated, Leading NFL with 11 Touchdown Passes

Former USC Trojans Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings moved to 5-0 after a 23-17 victory over Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets in London. Darnold struggled for most of the game but leaned on growth from past shortcomings to find his best late and help the Vikings stay undefeated.

Kyron Samuels

Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) shakes hands with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) after the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) shakes hands with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) after the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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The 4-0 Minnesota Vikings opened up the NFL London Games series against the 2-2 New York Jets. The London games have been inharmonious historically and this game wasn’t much different. A sloppy, penalty-laden, turnover-heavy matchup resulted in a 23-17 victory for the Minnesota Vikings who moved to 5-0 on the season. 

“If you’re ever doubting yourself out there, which is kind of something I did early in my career, it can be a long day. So, I think just having that confidence in myself to be able to let it rip whenever. . . . I can stay patient that way,” Sam Darnold said after the game.

Former USC Trojan quarterback Sam Darnold came into the high-profile matchup tied for first in the NFL in with 11 passing touchdowns and third in quarterback rating. Darnold, without question, has been a driving force in the Vikings' improbable undefeated start. His pocket presence, downfield accuracy, and toughness have been on display to anchor the Vikings offense. 

The big question surrounding Darnold is whether would he be able to maintain this level throughout the season. We’ve seen flashes of greatness before, albeit not to this level, followed by drastic dips in play. The important thing for Darnold, and his fans to remember, is that he doesn’t have to be a world-beater. 

Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold
Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG; Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass in the 1st Quarter against New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images / Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images

There is a misconception that quarterbacks have to be playing at MVP level to win games consistently in the NFL, and today’s game was the perfect illustration of that. Darnold finished the game 14 of 31 completions for 179 yards passing and one interception. Darnold was also credited for a fumble on a pitch that was too hot for Minnesota running back Ty Chandler to handle that was recovered by the Jets.

The Vikings' defense was stellar once again and forced three interceptions against Aaron Rodgers, one on the game-sealing drive to end the game. Still, it was Darnold who helped the Vikings get in place to win that game in the fourth quarter. It was his worst performance of the season for three and a half quarters. But when they needed points the most, Darnold found his best. 

Holding a 20-17 lead, the Vikings needed to stop the Jets' momentum, rapidly closing the gap. Darnold found his best when the Vikings needed the most ripping a 25-yard pass to wide receiver Justin Jefferson and a 20-yard pass to tight end Johnny Mundt that helped set up a field goal for kicker Will Reichard. The drive forced the Jets to have to score a touchdown to tie or win.

The Vikings defense was the story against the Jets, but Darnold’s resilience shouldn’t go unnoticed. It was a major step forward for him after struggling to respond when he had games like this in his career. Without that drive, the Jets could’ve tied the game and who knows what could’ve happened. The Vikings needed all three phases to win today and they got just enough from all three. 

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Kyron Samuels
KYRON SAMUELS

Kyron Samuels is a former college and professional football player now a writer, analyst, & digital host. Kyron is a writer for USC Trojans on SI and contributes to Oregon Ducks on SI. A graduate and letterman at Jacksonville State University, Samuels was a three-year starter, two-time all-conference, and won three consecutive conference titles. After a four-year professional stint between the AFL & XFL, Samuels retired from football. In 2022, Samuels was inducted into the Fairhope Athletic Hall of Fame. Post-playing career, Samuels has become a credentialed sports media member covering the NFL, UFL, USFL, & college football. The NFL Combine, Reese’s Senior Bowl, & East-West Shrine Bowl are amongst the events Kyron has covered. As a guest and host, Samuels has been featured on ESPNRadio, FoxSportsRadio, & IHeartRadio. Outside of sports media, Samuels works as a scouting consultant and has experience coaching at the collegiate level.

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