Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold gutted via the top of Sunday’s dramatic 30-27 time beyond regulation victory towards the Chicago Bears, returning to the sphere after briefly leaving with a foot damage within the fourth quarter. His head coach, Kevin O’Connell, used a easy system to see how he was feeling.
“When Darnold went again in, O’Connell stated he requested Darnold if he was above a 6 on a scale of 1-10,” the Minnesota Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling posted on X. “Darnold gave a thumbs up. O’Connell requested once more if Darnold was above an 8. Darnold gave one other thumbs-up. After which I believe he stated, ‘Cease asking,’ O’Connell stated.”
The breakout QB was clearly in some discomfort throughout the closing stretch of this NFC North matchup after Bears defensive sort out Gervon Dexter landed on his ankle space. He was already nursing a foot damage within the lead-up to this sport. Finally, Darnold executed a game-winning drive in OT. He linked with Justin Jefferson and TJ Hockenson for clutch 20-plus yard receptions to arrange the decisive 29-yard subject purpose, exhibiting no indicators of vulnerability in Soldier Discipline.
The dogged efficiency inches the Vikings (9-2) nearer to the playoffs and retains them one sport behind the Detroit Lions for first place within the division and convention. It additionally ought to increase his free agent market worth a bit extra. The rejuvenated signal-caller threw for 330 passing yards and two touchdowns with out recording an interception.
Darnold’s robust exhibiting is pleasant information to the members of Skol Nation who might need been feeling anxious after seeing him accumulate six turnovers within the final three weeks. Kevin O’Connell possesses among the finest offensive minds within the NFL as we speak, although, and he as soon as once more constructed a sport plan that accentuated his QB’s strengths.
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With a great working rapport, and apparently an efficient line of communication, Darnold and O’Connell are main a Vikings offense that’s considerably higher than many anticipated. It additionally helps when Aaron Jones rushes for 106 yards and a landing.
Minnesota just isn’t enjoying its greatest model of soccer, however it’s discovering methods to outlive. That sentence is likely to be a nauseous reminder for followers who recall the 2022-23 workforce that owned an 11-0 report in one-possession video games however misplaced to Daniel Jones and the New York Giants within the playoffs, 31-24. O’Connell and the Vikings are intent on flipping the script this season, nonetheless.
They get again at it when the Arizona Cardinals (6-4) enter U.S. Financial institution Stadium subsequent Sunday afternoon. Hopefully by then, Sam Darnold’s foot challenge is not going to register on the ache scale in any respect.