6 months, 1 week ago

Sam Darnold is thriving with the Vikings while getting the most support he’s had in the NFL

MINNEAPOLIS — The knee injury that sent Sam Darnold to the sideline late in the third quarter was deemed minor enough by the Minnesota Vikings for him to return to the field after missing just one play, when the U.S. Bank Stadium crowd roared with approval and relief upon the sight of him jogging back to the huddle. “The fans’ reaction meant everything to me,” said Darnold, who threw four touchdown passes without a turnover for the Vikings in a 34-7 victory over Houston on Sunday that left them as one of only two unbeaten teams in the NFC. All of the offseason hype for the Vikings centered on rookie J.J. McCarthy, the 10th pick in the NFL draft who’ll have every opportunity in the coming years to become the dynamic young quarterback for the franchise to build around after six seasons with veteran Kirk Cousins yielded only one win in the playoffs. Injury report Addison missed his second straight game on Sunday, but O’Connell said he’s optimistic about his return this week along with Pace and outside linebacker Dallas Turner, who were also inactive against the Texans.

Minnesota Jefferson Nfl Texans Vikings Darnold Pace teams nfl week yards darnold vikings knee hes receiver touchdown sam getting oconnell support thriving

History of this topic

2 months, 1 week ago

Vikings and coach Kevin O’Connell agree to a multiyear contract extension after a 14-win season

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings and coach Kevin O’Connell agreed to terms on a multiyear contract extension on Tuesday, following a 14-3 regular season that defied external widespread preseason projections of at least a losing record if not a last-place finish in the NFC North. “It is an absolute honor to continue leading the Minnesota Vikings,” O’Connell said in a …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

On Football: Sam Darnold should have plenty of options if the Vikings don’t keep him

Associated Press

Sam Darnold’s shaky finish shouldn’t ruin his impressive season or impact his future. Despite his struggles in Minnesota’s final two games, including a 27-9 loss to the Rams in a wild-card playoff, Darnold should have plenty of options in March if he hits the open market. Darnold also became the fourth player in NFL history with 12 games with multiple …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Sam Darnold’s career-best season ends with a thud as he takes 9 sacks in playoff loss

Associated Press

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Sam Darnold did nearly everything right in a renaissance season, resurrecting his career as a starter while pushing Minnesota to one of the NFL’s best records. Darnold was ineffective for most of of his first playoff start, losing two turnovers while matching an NFL record by taking nine sacks in the Vikings’ 27-9 loss to the Los …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Rams overwhelm Vikings 27-9 in wild-card playoff game moved to Arizona because of LA wildfires

Associated Press

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Sam Darnold tried to step up in the pocket to find a receiver but there was nowhere to go. “You talk about sports offering a platform for people to come together and offer a little temporary relief — I thought the way our team competed tonight was what that looked like.” The game was moved to the …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Rams’ young ascending defense shows Vikings it has come of age, but can it slow Eagles?

LA Times

Ahkello Witherspoon forces the Vikings’ Sam Darnold to fumble, and Jared Verse recovered and ran 57 yards for a Rams touchdown. “I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a team constantly getting back there like that,” said Durant, who also intercepted a pass. Kobie Turner records one of his two sacks of Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, who the Rams …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Did Vikings’ struggles against Lions show a blueprint for how to slow down Sam Darnold?

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — Parse coach Dan Campbell’s words in the aftermath of Sunday night’s Minnesota Vikings debacle in Detroit, and you’ll find that he laid bare the Lions’ defensive game plan. The Lions also played man coverage on 66.7 percent of Darnold’s dropbacks, the second-highest mark by a defense in a game this season. “You’ve got to find a way …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Darnold and Vikings will look for answers instead of getting a playoff bye

Associated Press

DETROIT — The Minnesota Vikings will have a lot of time to think when they fly to Los Angeles later this week. “You can’t go out there and kick field goals in the red zone against a team like,” quarterback Sam Darnold said. “Our defense played great and kept us in the game, but we didn’t finish when we had …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Geno Smith throws career-high 4 TD passes in Seahawks’ 30-25 win over playoff-bound Rams

Associated Press

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Matthew Stafford and nearly all of his fellow offensive starters watched the Los Angeles Rams’ regular-season finale in street clothes. “I know we’re going to show up next week ready to roll.” Geno Smith passed for 223 yards and threw his career-best fourth touchdown pass to Noah Fant with 3:19 to play, and the Seahawks finished their …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Sam Darnold will have to bounce back quickly for Vikings to have a chance in the playoffs

New York Times

DETROIT — At the beginning of one of Kevin O’Connell’s first team meetings of the season, the Minnesota Vikings coach looked up at a room full of players fixated on his every word. GO DEEPER Lions bulldoze Vikings 31-9 in season finale to win NFC top seed: Takeaways Nothing hurt the Vikings’ chances at securing the NFC North and No. …

Jets’ Aaron Rodgers becomes the NFL’s 5th player to throw 500 regular-season TD passes

Trending News

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Jets’ Aaron Rodgers becomes the NFL’s 5th player to throw 500 regular-season TD passes

Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers became the fifth player in NFL history to throw 500 regular-season touchdown passes, accomplishing the feat in the second quarter of the New York Jets’ 32-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. “It was kind of like old-school red-zone touchdown like we did for so long in Green Bay where a play breaks …

2 months, 4 weeks ago

Aaron Rodgers throws 500th touchdown amid uncertain Jets, NFL future

New York Times

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers joined an elite club Sunday with his 500th passing touchdown — thrown to tight end Tyler Conklin in the second quarter of the New York Jets’ game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. Rodgers’ four touchdown day powered New York to a 32-20 win over the Dolphins in the season finale. GO DEEPER Rodgers throws 4 …

3 months ago

Vikings with O’Connell clearly prefer to pass the ball, and Darnold has aced the test

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings had just retaken possession with a precarious two-point lead on Green Bay right before the two-minute warning, badly needing to drain the clock and stem the momentum the Packers seized down the stretch. “I felt comfortable with Sam in those moments,” O’Connell said, alluding to some particular runs he’d called earlier in the game …

3 months ago

Darnold gives Vikings another gem with career-high 377 yards in 27-25 win over Packers

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings were ready to start their postgame ritual in honor of a ninth consecutive victory before realizing Sam Darnold was still missing from the raucous locker room because he was finishing his interview with the TV broadcasting crew. Darnold added another exploit to his career-altering season, passing for a personal-best 377 yards and three touchdowns as …

3 months ago

Sam Darnold continues late MVP push with a stellar stretch run for Vikings

New York Times

MINNEAPOLIS — A blowout had turned into a nail-biter as the Minnesota Vikings trotted onto the field with a two-point lead and 2:18 left in the game. I’ve had an absolute blast coaching him.” When it was all over, when the Vikings had toppled their archrivals and sent a declarative statement to the rest of the NFC that they are …

3 months ago

Vikings hold off Packers for 9th straight win, shot at NFC’s No. 1 seed: Key takeaways

New York Times

By Alec Lewis, Matt Schneidman and Larry Holder The Minnesota Vikings withstood a furious comeback to win their ninth consecutive game, beating the Green Bay Packers 27-25 on Sunday. Minnesota’s defense flustered Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs and the Packers’ typically potent offense until midway through the fourth quarter. Green Bay scored touchdowns less than four minutes apart to make the …

3 months ago

Russini’s what I’m hearing: Vikings want Darnold back in 2025, Watson’s new deal, Brady’s big role

New York Times

Anyone else losing track of what day it is? • “The ‘perfect play’ might be in your playbook, but in real time …” A question every owner needs to ask head-coaching candidates. • “Has Tom ever done anything on a small scale?” How Brady will shape the Raiders’ future. A Giant decision yet to be made New York Giants co-owners …

3 months ago

Vikings thrive under coach of year favorite O’Connell, a relatable state for Packers with LaFleur

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell’s stirring locker room tribute to his team last week at Seattle was respectfully interrupted by seven-year veteran right tackle Brian O’Neill, who flipped the script on the game ball awards by tossing one to the boss in honor of his second 13-win season in three years. The Vikings have obliterated even the most …

3 months, 1 week ago

Vikings’ playoff hopes (and Super Bowl dreams?) may come down to these concerns

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — Crunchtime is upon us. The Minnesota Vikings are one of the NFL’s darlings, but their visions lie well beyond that. With head coach Kevin O’Connell and quarterback Sam Darnold rightfully receiving ample credit, it’s worth taking a look at some of the factors that must go in the Vikings’ favor for the team to continue winning down …

3 months, 1 week ago

The Darnold-Jefferson connection is thriving for the surging Vikings

Associated Press

Sam Darnold sensed the backside pressure as soon as he dropped back with Minnesota trailing by four points late in the fourth quarter in Seattle, so he moved into a safe space in the pocket and did precisely what the Vikings would prefer him to do with the game on the line. “I’m not going to say too much about …

Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson lead surging Vikings past Seahawks 27-24

Trending News

3 months, 1 week ago

Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson lead surging Vikings past Seahawks 27-24

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Sam Darnold connected with a well-covered Justin Jefferson with 3:51 left for his third TD pass of the game, and the Minnesota Vikings outlasted Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks 27-24 on Sunday to keep pace with Detroit for the top spot in the NFC. After the Seahawks took the lead on Smith’s third TD pass, Darnold led …

3 months, 1 week ago

Vikings head to Seattle in matchup of teams tied for 1st in their respective divisions

Associated Press

Minnesota at Seattle Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EST, FOX BetMGM NFL odds: Vikings by 3. Seahawks player to watch WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has become the Seahawks’ main option in the passing game this season, and has led the team in receiving yards in each of the past seven games. Stats and stuff The Vikings are averaging 31.3 points over their past …

3 months, 1 week ago

Today in Sports - Week Ahead, Dec. 20 - Dec. 26

Associated Press

Dec. 24 1950 — Cleveland’s Otto Graham throws four touchdown passes, despite icy footing in Municipal Stadium, and Lou Groza kicks a 16-yard field goal with 28 seconds left to give the Browns a 30-28 victory over the Los Angeles Rams and the NFL title in their first year in the league. 1961 — George Blanda’s 35-yard touchdown pass to …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings delivered a dominant defensive performance that simply wore down the Bears

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Caleb Williams had just trudged off the field after being chased all over the backfield by Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard during another failed third-down play for Chicago when he plopped down on the bench and rolled his head back in exhaustion. “We were really disciplined, but it just felt explosive, guys flying off the edges,” coach Kevin O’Connell …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Vintage performances by Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers carry Jets past defenseless Jaguars 32-25

Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers gave the New York Jets’ next general manager and head coach something to ponder with a glimpse into the past — and potentially the future. Adams caught nine passes from Rodgers for 198 yards and two touchdowns — all in the second half — and the Jets rallied to beat the Jacksonville …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings’ passing attack is as potent as ever with Addison’s surge as Bears prepare for a rematch

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — When the Chicago Bears were busy keeping Justin Jefferson quiet last month, the Minnesota Vikings put Jordan Addison to work. “We always say that we’re the best duo in the entire league,” Jefferson said after he and his sidekick reached a new height in the rich history of Vikings receivers last week in a 42-21 victory over Atlanta …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings take 6-game winning streak into Monday night matchup vs. backsliding Bears

Associated Press

Chicago at Minnesota Monday, 8 p.m. EST, ABC BetMGM NFL odds: Vikings by 7. The third overall pick in the 2018 draft continued his career-altering season last week against Atlanta by becoming the ninth quarterback in NFL history and first since Aaron Rodgers in 2019 with at least 325 passing yards, five TD passes, a completion rate of 75-plus percent …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

The Vikings and their in-gear offense will be a tough team to outscore moving forward

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Sam Darnold pinballed around his collapsed pocket to dodge a sack on third-and-8, before slicing through a skinny opening to sprint right in search of more space as Justin Jefferson’s hand shot up downfield. With O’Connell directing the quarterback development program and calling the plays and Jefferson leading a dangerous and diverse group of pass-catchers, Darnold has …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Darnold delivers for Vikings with career-high 347 yards and 5 TDs to beat Falcons, Cousins 42-21

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Sam Darnold tossed aside his stoic demeanor for a moment after realizing he was on the videoboard, aggressively twirling a towel to further stoke the crowd’s fire after the Minnesota Vikings had pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons late in the game. Darnold added yet another highlight to his brilliant first season with the Vikings, …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Sam Darnold’s 5 TDs push Vikings past Falcons in Kirk Cousins’ return: Key takeaways

New York Times

By Alec Lewis, Josh Kendall and Chris Licata The Minnesota Vikings knocked off the Atlanta Falcons 42-21 behind Sam Darnold’s first five-touchdown game. — Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer Atlanta needs to answer QB questions Cousins’ return to his last NFL home didn’t end the way he had hoped. I get it, but I don’t think the Atlanta Falcons are …

3 months, 4 weeks ago

The Vikings are showing their worth at 10-2 by winning the games that don’t go smoothly

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings started the season 5-0 in relatively comfortable fashion before losing two tight games in a five-day span. “I think we continue to learn things about our team that will pay a lot of dividends moving forward,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “If you’ve got true belief and authentic belief with all the time we’ve spent together …

4 months ago

Vikings win 5th straight, rallying past Cardinals 23-22 on Sam Darnold’s TD pass with 1:13 left

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings were searching for an offensive rhythm well past halftime. Sam Darnold’s second touchdown pass of the second half went to Jones for Minnesota’s first lead with 1:13 remaining, and the Vikings rallied from 13 points down to beat the Arizona Cardinals 23-22 on Sunday for their fifth straight victory. Kyler Murray threw two interceptions in …

4 months ago

Aaron Jones earns redemption with game-winning TD to lift Vikings past Cardinals: Key takeaways

New York Times

By Doug Haller, Alec Lewis and RJ Kraft Sam Darnold’s touchdown pass to Aaron Jones with 1:13 left in the fourth quarter lifted the Minnesota Vikings to a 23-22 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The Cardinals’ loss combined with Seattle’s win over the New York Jets leaves Arizona a game back of the Seahawks in the NFC West …

4 months, 1 week ago

Vikings staying on track and in control behind Sam Darnold’s composure and confidence

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings, their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. “I think when he just continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team.” After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the opening possession of overtime, Darnold …

4 months, 1 week ago

Sam Darnold leads game-winning drive in OT and Vikings beat Bears 30-27 after blowing late lead

Associated Press

CHICAGO — Sam Darnold figured the Vikings would recover the Bears’ onside kick near the end of regulation and he would only need to kneel. “So your mindset you’ve got to get ready to go back out there and execute at a high level and I feel like our offense did a really good job of that, obviously, in overtime.” …

4 months, 1 week ago

Sam Darnold’s toughness surfaces when needed in Vikings’ overtime victory over Bears

New York Times

CHICAGO — There is a world in which Sam Darnold never returned to the game Sunday. GO DEEPER Vikings beat Bears 30-27 in OT as Addison has career day: Key takeaways “Show me somebody who had a better game at the quarterback position,” O’Connell said. Late in the fourth quarter, with the Vikings driving in hopes of extending their 7-point …

4 months, 1 week ago

Darnold, Vikings face Bears, looking to extend win streak to 4 games

Associated Press

Minnesota at Chicago Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, FOX BetMGM NFL odds: Vikings by 4 1/2. The Bears could be without RB D’Andre Swift, who missed practice Wednesday.. LG Teven Jenkins did not play against Green Bay after leaving a Week 10 loss to New England.. LG Ryan Bates left last week’s game.. S Elijah Hicks was hurt against Green Bay. …

4 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings keep putting pressure on opposing QBs without relying as heavily on the blitz

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — With the Minnesota Vikings holding a 10-point lead at Tennessee midway through the fourth quarter, Titans quarterback Will Levis lined up in the shotgun formation for a crucial fourth-and-4 play from the Minnesota 43. Patrick Jones powered past Titans right guard Peter Skoronski, the 11th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, and pulled down Levis for …

4 months, 2 weeks ago

Sam Darnold leads Vikings to 3rd straight win, beating Titans 23-13

Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Sam Darnold lost a fumble on the Minnesota Vikings’ third offensive play. and then also overcome some things around him to make some plays, which was critical for us,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said of Darnold. Harrison Smith clinched the win with an interception with 1:50 left, giving the Vikings’ fans that turned this into a near …

4 months, 2 weeks ago

Sam Darnold, Vikings win third straight game as penalties crush Titans: Key takeaways

New York Times

By Alec Lewis, Joe Rexrode and Chris Licata The Minnesota Vikings, led by a Sam Darnold bounce-back effort and a ferocious pass rush, put the clamps on the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, winning 23-13 to improve their record to 8-2. Swept the AFC South 🧹 pic.twitter.com/MyuiIbjzLa — Minnesota Vikings November 17, 2024 Darnold stepped up, avoided tons of pressure The …

4 months, 2 weeks ago

Sam Darnold has chance to clean up turnover issues as the Vikings visit the Titans

Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Minnesota Vikings get another chance to clean up some offensive issues Sunday in their second of two straight road games against the dregs of the AFC South. First-year Titans coach Brian Callahan credits Darnold and that defense for putting the Vikings on Detroit’s heels in both the NFC and the North. This could be a chance …

4 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings visit woeful Titans, looking to stay perfect against AFC this season

Associated Press

Minnesota at Tennessee Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, CBS. Titans: CB L’Jarius Sneed remains week to week and is out a fourth straight game.. RT Leroy Watson IV also is out with Nicholas Petit-Frere back in the starting lineup.. … Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson had eight catches for 72 yards on nine targets against the Jaguars in his heaviest workload in …

4 months, 3 weeks ago

The Vikings are still winning despite Sam Darnold’s recent spate of interceptions

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The roller-coaster ride for the Minnesota Vikings with Sam Darnold at quarterback has reached a midseason dip, with no space or time to step off. For all they did well Sunday in defeating Jacksonville 12-7 to maintain the second-best record in the NFC at 7-2, the Vikings entered the new week with a significant issue to dissect …

4 months, 3 weeks ago

Stingy Vikings hold the clawless Jaguars to 143 yards in a 12-7 victory and improve to 7-2

Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The only remotely close part of this matchup was the final score. Minnesota’s stingy defense held Jacksonville to 143 yards — the fewest in coach Doug Pederson’s three seasons — and the Vikings overcame Sam Darnold’s three interceptions to beat the Jaguars 12-7 on Sunday in a mostly purple-clad stadium. “Those are the types of games that …

4 months, 3 weeks ago

Sam Darnold’s turnovers nearly doom Vikings in narrow win over Jaguars

New York Times

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — If you have attended a nondescript bowl game, you know what it was like to watch the Minnesota Vikings play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at EverBank Stadium. Had Sam Darnold’s counterpart not been Mac Jones, who started for Jacksonville in place of the injured Trevor Lawrence, the Vikings might not have escaped this town with an …

Vikings Reassess Darnold Amidst Turning Tides

Trending News

4 months, 4 weeks ago

Vikings Reassess Darnold Amidst Turning Tides

Associated Press

Despite some costly turnovers, the Minnesota Vikings are enjoying a surprising season of revival. Quarterback Sam Darnold has been a bright spot for the team, leading the league in interceptions and completing at a high rate. The Vikings' offense has also been effective, with wide receiver Justin Jefferson consistently making catches. However, Darnold has also had some costly turnovers, and …

4 months, 4 weeks ago

Vikings Overcome Colts in Thrilling Comeback Victory

Associated Press

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Indianapolis Colts 21-13 in a thrilling comeback performance. Sam Darnold threw three touchdown passes, including a game-sealing score with 2:05 left, and the Vikings' defense stifled Flacco's return to the starting role. The Vikings improved to 6-2 on the season, while the Colts remain winless in their first game of the season.

5 months, 1 week ago

Jared Goff outduels Vikings, Sam Darnold as Lions win with late field goal: Key takeaways

New York Times

By Colton Pouncy, Alec Lewis and Cale Clinton An electric battle between the top two teams in the NFC North came down to a Hail Mary attempt, with the Detroit Lions escaping with a 31-29 victory and a new division lead over the Minnesota Vikings. However, the Vikings allowed 391 total yards on the afternoon and cost themselves two additional …

5 months, 1 week ago

Vikings come up short in loss to Lions, and fixing the small details must be the focus

New York Times

MINNEAPOLIS — As people streamed onto the field, Josh Metellus sat and stared from a metal bench. While players and coaches from the Vikings’ and Lions’ sidelines met near midfield, Minnesota’s do-everything defender remained hunched, helmetless and pensive. “The standard,” Metellus said afterward in the locker room, “is to be great.” GO DEEPER Goff outduels Vikings, Darnold as Lions win …

5 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings' Unstoppable Defense Defuses Jets, Remains Unbeaten

Associated Press

The Minnesota Vikings had a challenging offensive outing against the New York Jets, generating only 37 yards and two first downs over a stretch of seven possessions from late in the second quarter until late in the fourth. Despite the struggles, the Vikings' defense proved to be a force, forcing three interceptions, three sacks, and a 54.9 passer rating that …

5 months, 3 weeks ago

Minnesota Vikings smother New York Jets in London to continue unbeaten NFL start

The Independent

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