Sam Darnold has emerged as the unexpected standout of the 2024 season, leading the Minnesota Vikings to their third 10-win season in six years with a thrilling victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Darnold, once thought to be a backup to J.J. McCarthy before the rookie’s injury, made a strong case for Comeback Player of the Year on Sunday.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
He led the Vikings on a crucial eight-play, 70-yard drive culminating in a 5-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Jones. Minnesota clinched a 23-22 victory with 1:13 remaining.
Darnold finished with 21-of-31 completions, 235 passing yards, and two touchdown passes. His performance marked a significant comeback in his career, with the other touchdown pass going to Johnny Mundt.
“There’s no other place I’d rather play; just so grateful to be a Viking,” Darnold told FOX’s Pam Oliver post-game.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Darnold, who served as a backup to Brock Purdy with the San Francisco 49ers last season, is now on the brink of guiding Minnesota back to the playoffs.
Minnesota’s Shaquil Griffin intercepted Kyler Murray’s pass to secure the win.
Murray’s touchdown throw to Marvin Harrison Jr. gave Arizona a 19-6 lead in the third quarter. Darnold responded with his touchdown pass to Mundt on the following drive.
Murray ended the game with 31-of-45 completions, 260 passing yards, a touchdown pass, and two interceptions, one to Byron Murphy Jr.
Cardinals’ tight end Trey McBride led with 12 catches for 96 yards, while Harrison had five catches for 60 yards.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) catches a 15-yard touchdown pass over Minnesota Vikings cornerback Fabian Moreau during the second half. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Minnesota’s record is now 10-2 for the season, while Arizona dropped to 6-6.
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