The Minnesota Vikings are 2-0 after defeating the defending NFC champions, despite missing their second- and third-best pass catchers and losing their top target, Justin Jefferson, to injury during the game.
However, ESPN’s Benjamin Solak remains skeptical about the Vikings’ status as contenders, particularly in light of quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance over the past two weeks. “I wish they were contenders; it would be great if they were. But Darnold doesn’t meet the level of quarterback play needed to be a true contender,” Solak stated on September 17. He noted that unless head coach Kevin O’Connell can elevate Darnold’s game similar to what Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan did with Jared Goff and Jimmy Garoppolo, respectively, he remains unconvinced.
Despite Solak’s reservations about Darnold—who had struggled in previous seasons with the Jets and Panthers—Darnold has shown signs of improvement this season. He has completed 72% of his passes for 476 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, with one of those turnovers being somewhat out of his control.
However, with only two weeks of play, it’s a limited sample size. The Vikings face a challenging schedule ahead, with upcoming games against the Texans, Packers, and Jets before a Week 6 bye.
Jefferson, who left the game against San Francisco with a quad contusion, has indicated he will be ready for the Week 3 matchup against Houston. He described his injury as a minor bruise. Meanwhile, second-year receiver Jordan Addison is dealing with an ankle injury but is expected to return soon, while tight end T.J. Hockenson is not anticipated to be back until the game against the Lions on October 20. If Darnold can help the Vikings secure a 4-1 or 5-0 record before the bye, it could shift the narrative around him and the team’s playoff aspirations.