Kevin O’Connell received a boatload of credit for revitalizing Sam Darnold’s career in 2024. The journeyman QB passed for 4,300 yards, led Minnesota to the playoffs, and earned his first career Pro Bowl nod.
Now, a third of the way through the 2025 regular season, it’s clear that more respect should be flowing Darnold’s way.
After walking away from an awkward situation with the Vikings and No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy this offseason, Darnold has picked up right where he left off in Minnesota. He enters Week 7 as the NFL’s third-leading passer with 1,541 yards, 11 touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 116.