they've been searching for decades because they constantly sign mediocre to decent quarterbacks in hopes that they will become better in Minnesota.At the start of the 2024 NFL season, the list of highest paid non-rookie NFL back up QBs started with Stidham (Broncos) who is paid $6M. I don't see any NFL team paying $20M for their back up and, from the sounds of it, I don't see the Vikings waiting a full second year to bring in JJ McCarthy.
1. (tie) Jarett Stidham, Broncos, $6 million
Marcus Mariota, Washington, $6 million
Tyrod Taylor, Jets, $6 million
4. Trey Lance, Cowboys, $5.3 million
5. Drew Lock, Giants, $5 million
6. Joe Flacco, Colts, $4.5 million
7. Andy Dalton, Panthers, $4 million
Jameis Winston, Browns, $4 million
9. Carson Wentz, Chiefs, $3.33 million
10. Justin Fields, Steelers, $3.23 million
If they brought Sam back he wouldn't be the back up next year, JJ would. If they brought him back it would be because they like what they had this year and want to see if there is a next level to build into.
Never has a top 10 pick missed an entire season at QB because of injury. So to expect JJ to just come in off of injury and also jump into a starter role and keep this team moving like it is starts to borderline on absurd. He can't even practice this year.
The very young QBs 1-3 years in the league are struggling mightily, like 1 of 10 having success type of ratio.
Nothing would be lost for JJ if he backs up in year 2 especially coming off of an injury. Jordan Love is doing fine.
Assuming this year finishes like it is going right now for Darnold, he throws 32-33 TDs, over 100 passer rating. I would look to get him back. If he has a similar year next year and you believe this is his absolute max potential you could easily move him and the begin the JJ era, if they feel like that makes the most sense. If he takes a positive step and plays at even a higher level and you believe you found a 28 year old franchise QB then you have a great problem on your hands. To not see those two options through is crazy for a franchise that has been searching for a QB for decades.
You're better off being terrible with a rookie than you are being pretty good with a guy like Darnold.
This is a great little comment but there is not substance behind it. It takes a lot of time to list all of the examples because there are many, of teams not being better off with terrible rookie QB and floundering for years.
And that is the entire point of this topic. The Vikings need to find a way if possible to make it work so it isn't an either or. Because if JJ is a bust or just isn't that great they are F'ed for a while.
I find it hard to believe the Vikings wouldn't be able to manage a mid tier QB contract.
The Vikings are 10-2, but they could easily be sub 0.500. They have barely beaten some bad teams and they haven't looked great since halftime of the Packers game in SEPTEMBER. While Sam has been playing well above expectations he isn't showing me anything that would make me think he's Superbowl caliber.
We finally draft a guy with potential to be a franchise QB, for the first time since Culpepper (or Teddy), and people want to start Sam Darnold next year? Ick.
Let him go and use the savings in salary to bring in top free agent starters (and/or depth) and play JJ. Quit playing safe with retread QBs who lead you into mid level draft positions.
Be the anti-Twins!
The Vikings are 10-2, but they could easily be sub 0.500. They have barely beaten some bad teams and they haven't looked great since halftime of the Packers game in SEPTEMBER. While Sam has been playing well above expectations he isn't showing me anything that would make me think he's Superbowl caliber.
We finally draft a guy with potential to be a franchise QB, for the first time since Culpepper (or Teddy), and people want to start Sam Darnold next year? Ick.
Let him go and use the savings in salary to bring in top free agent starters (and/or depth) and play JJ. Quit playing safe with retread QBs who lead you into mid level draft positions.
lmfao how did Culpepper and Teddy work out? Even before their injuries there was a long way to go. Teddy was middling at best and Culpepper was extremely hot and cold. He had 3 good seasons and 3 very bad ones.
JJ has done nothing yet besides get drafted. Ponder got drafted also. JJ also has the potential to be nothing special, in fact statistically speaking the odds are higher that any given 1st round QB struggles or is mediocre vs being a franchise QB for the next 10 years.
What exactly is going to happen to JJ if he has to sit next year? He's going to be 22 all of next season.
If Sam wasn't the QB right now and we had the same set up as last year this would be a 3-4 win team right now. Sam isn't a retread he is 27.
@bertogliat would you say the same thing about Goff? Foles won a Super Bowl as did Eli Manning (multiple times!) as mediocre QBs with really good teams around them. It all kind of depends how they feel about what they assemble around them and the threat Darnold poses as compared to JJ as well as system fit/readiness. Yeah if they're equal, you absolutely dump Darnold this second. Really you're not so worried about their regular season stats but what you think you get out of them postseason when the defenses are consistently better and the pressure ramps up. Some guys play their same level or excel and some wilt (JJ seems like he gets better so far in his college career, but hard to say how that translates to the NFL), which is why I think the regular season is kind of whatever on if they're bringing him back and more dependent how interested they are based on how he plays in the playoffs.
For example, Eli Manning his super bowl years
2007 regular season 23TD, 20Ints, 3300 yards vs postseason 6 TDs, 1 Int, 854 yards
2011 regular season 29TD, 16Ints, 4900 yards vs postseason 9 TDs, 1 Int, 1219 yards
I think that is more what they're asking themselves is who can do it when it's crunch time.
If they're thinking they just need a Dilfer who doesn't turn the ball over, different story (and time in the NFL).
This team is really close to being elite with what they have now even with losing an all pro LT and guys on defense missing time. From what we know about 1st rounders, they're just as likely to be busts as legit (we also have the Ponder years; Teddy I won't say much as injury as much as anything derailed his career). I don't have a ton of faith in Darnold, but so much of that is based off watching him in places that have killed multiple QBs despite picking high in the draft recently so I think this is one you let pay out. If his number is extremely high though, yeah you let him walk to get your shot with the guy who's on his rookie deal (the difference of letting Sam at his current contract walk and having another QB on the roster affords you maybe one more mid level starter, so it's not like when Cousins left where we now have an extra 40mil; if he's going to 20, there's not a ton we're losing as you likely dump Mullens contract. Over that I think is where it gets really hairy on if he's worth it).
Sorry. I’m 49 years old and have never seen the Vikings play in the Super Bowl. I am ready to gamble. Use that money elsewhere and pray for the best with JJ.
Ill see you in Santa Clara!
@bertogliat No thanks. I'll take the scenario that allows the Vikes to have a couple of options next year and then decided on the one that makes most sense.
All these guys had potential. No one cares or talks about potential once the rubber hits the road.
Trubisky, No
Mahomes, 100% Success
Deshaun Watson, mixed results, horrible in his 4th year.
Mayfield/Browns, No
Sam Darnold, No
Josh Allen, Success
Josh Rosen, 100% bust
Lamar Jackson, Success
Kyler Murray, Mixed Results, overall nothing to show.
Daniel Jones, No
Dwayne Haskins, Bust
Joe Burrow - Success
Tua - Mixed
Herbert, Mixed, they found their guy but not much team success first 4 years
Jordan Love - Trending success
Lawrence - No
Zach Wilson - Bust
Trey Lance - Bust
Justin Fields - Bust
Mac Jones - Bust
Kenny Picket - Bust
Bryce Young, No, could be a bust
CJ Stroud, Trending Success but to early.
Anthony Richardson, No, that they are accomplishing anything significant on his rookie deal. Could even be a bust.
There is zero chance they sign Darnold for the purpose of him being the starter - at least for the length of the season. They have to stop this revolving door of signing veteran quarterbacks and try to learn if they have their franchise guy or not. The sooner the better.
Darnold would be interim starter, and some team somewhere is going to pay him way more money to be THE starter. What team that is? I don't know. But if someone was willing to pay Jones, Lawrence, Watson, Bryce, etc that kinda money, well, Darnold is gonna get a piece of that pie.
Then again, Ryan Fitzpatrick:
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
There is zero chance they sign Darnold for the purpose of him being the starter - at least for the length of the season. They have to stop this revolving door of signing veteran quarterbacks and try to learn if they have their franchise guy or not. The sooner the better.
Actually that is false, completely. There for sure is zero chance that he is signed to be the back up, he wouldn't agree to that nor would the team pay for that.
There is some chance that he could come back as the starter, even if it is a very small one. Big time playoff run, team feels comfortable with JJ being back up coming out of injury, ect.
Also, Darnold is 27. Doesn't really fit the mold of the Vikings history of "veteran QBs." Even Cousins was 30 when he signed for year 1. Darnold would be on his 4th season by that time. He's young in QB years.
As far as history goes, they have had a pretty horrible track record with young QBs.
I think it will be a moot point anyways, but if there is trepidation because of JJs injury and that setting him back I think it would be stupid not to sign Darnold...but not long term. Giving JJ extra time to heal and catch up in the system is much smarter than just saying "well we need to just throw him in the fire because we signed Randall Cunningham and Jeff George back in the day!".
If they think JJ is ready to start game 1 then play him...otherwise wait.
I think it will be a moot point anyways, but if there is trepidation because of JJs injury and that setting him back I think it would be stupid not to sign Darnold...but not long term. Giving JJ extra time to heal and catch up in the system is much smarter than just saying "well we need to just throw him in the fire because we signed Randall Cunningham and Jeff George back in the day!".
If they think JJ is ready to start game 1 then play him...otherwise wait.
Overall and as it stands now, I agree. Probably not going to happen.
But it is December & the schedule & games are big Atlanta, Seattle, GB and Det all in the playoffs as of now and the playoff(s) games. Keep winning & as a coach & GM it is tough to give that up. Or on the flip side being fine with moving on.
That is definitely true...but I think the pressure will be lessened if a few teams offer Darnold long term deals with lots of guaranteed money and so on. I think if he had an option year the pressure would mount (like with Foles after the SB) but as an unrestricted FA I just dont see it. He will likely field offers from bad teams willing to give him whatever he wants (4-5 years, 30+ million and huge signing bonuses and so on) and the Vikes would be fools to match it. And more power to him, with the way the league is with QBs (especially young ones) and with the portion of his career that was wasted in one of the worst franchises in sports...he has earned it.
I question whether it will work out long term for him because it is just as likely he ends up on another Jets like squad with a coach who doesn't get him...but that is his cross to bear not mine. With so many mediocre and over the hill QBs out there maybe he gets lucky.
There is zero chance they sign Darnold for the purpose of him being the starter - at least for the length of the season. They have to stop this revolving door of signing veteran quarterbacks and try to learn if they have their franchise guy or not. The sooner the better.
Actually that is false, completely. There for sure is zero chance that he is signed to be the back up, he wouldn't agree to that nor would the team pay for that.
There is some chance that he could come back as the starter, even if it is a very small one. Big time playoff run, team feels comfortable with JJ being back up coming out of injury, ect.
Also, Darnold is 27. Doesn't really fit the mold of the Vikings history of "veteran QBs." Even Cousins was 30 when he signed for year 1. Darnold would be on his 4th season by that time. He's young in QB years.
As far as history goes, they have had a pretty horrible track record with young QBs.
It's not false it's an opinion the same as yours. I don't believe they will for 1 second sign him to be the de facto starter for the entire season, and more importantly there won't be a huge market for him elsewhere to do the same unless he lights it up in the playoffs. Remember that he has a history of bad play prior to this season. Now if he lights it up in the playoffs all bets are off.
D. Jones or someone similar at $6-$10M for one year is a much better idea than Darnold at $20-$30M over multiple years.
You have a coach who is supposed to be able to get the most out of quarterbacks, take advantage of that.
There is zero chance they sign Darnold for the purpose of him being the starter - at least for the length of the season. They have to stop this revolving door of signing veteran quarterbacks and try to learn if they have their franchise guy or not. The sooner the better.
Actually that is false, completely. There for sure is zero chance that he is signed to be the back up, he wouldn't agree to that nor would the team pay for that.
There is some chance that he could come back as the starter, even if it is a very small one. Big time playoff run, team feels comfortable with JJ being back up coming out of injury, ect.
Also, Darnold is 27. Doesn't really fit the mold of the Vikings history of "veteran QBs." Even Cousins was 30 when he signed for year 1. Darnold would be on his 4th season by that time. He's young in QB years.
As far as history goes, they have had a pretty horrible track record with young QBs.
It's not false it's an opinion the same as yours. I don't believe they will for 1 second sign him to be the de facto starter for the entire season, and more importantly there won't be a huge market for him elsewhere to do the same unless he lights it up in the playoffs. Remember that he has a history of bad play prior to this season. Now if he lights it up in the playoffs all bets are off.
Correct, my bad. It is all opinions.
Better stated, there is a lot of discussion if the Vikings can and should sign him, going on right now. I haven't heard of any opinions to have him back as a back up or even believing that could be an option.
D. Jones or someone similar at $6-$10M for one year is a much better idea than Darnold at $20-$30M over multiple years.
You have a coach who is supposed to be able to get the most out of quarterbacks, take advantage of that.
yeah i don't think anyone has advocated doing that. Darnold (or any vet QB) would be viewed as a one year stop gap due to JJs injury. There won't be any track record/QBs who carry you type guys in that price range and so this would be a one year thing if JJ isn't ready because of how QB contracts are now in that you have to try capitalize on making your team ridiculously good around rookie QBs and try win in their 3rd/4th years of starting while they finish their rookie deals (then they hopefully blossom into that mega superstar who can carry you when their contracts become nutty)
The second part you mention is a rather interesting take (and one I also agree with) that would advocate for doing exactly what Some others are saying not to do. That being, signing journeyman quarterbacks at mid level deals and letting KOC cook while you make the rest of the roster full of more all pros while paying your QB discounted dollars. it would be an interesting strategy for someone like the Vikings to trial but would have so much season to season variability that I think it would ultimately get him fired but certainly would be entertaining (though probably incredibly frustrating) for fans
Note: I am not advocating for doing the 2nd point, just commenting on a general belief that O'Connell has gotten a massive amount out of quarter backs who have completely sucked elsewhere or under other coaches (Dobbs, Mullens, ) or made middling ones look like all pros (Darnold, Cousins, Goff)
What kind of contract are you talking about? I have read multiple people say you're not getting him on a 1 year deal and that $20M seems to be the very bottom end. Why would he even consider signing a 1 year deal with a team that is hoping that he won't even play that year?D. Jones or someone similar at $6-$10M for one year is a much better idea than Darnold at $20-$30M over multiple years.
You have a coach who is supposed to be able to get the most out of quarterbacks, take advantage of that.
yeah i don't think anyone has advocated doing that. Darnold (or any vet QB) would be viewed as a one year stop gap due to JJs injury. There won't be any track record/QBs who carry you type guys in that price range and so this would be a one year thing if JJ isn't ready because of how QB contracts are now in that you have to try capitalize on making your team ridiculously good around rookie QBs and try win in their 3rd/4th years of starting while they finish their rookie deals (then they hopefully blossom into that mega superstar who can carry you when their contracts become nutty)
The second part you mention is a rather interesting take (and one I also agree with) that would advocate for doing exactly what Some others are saying not to do. That being, signing journeyman quarterbacks at mid level deals and letting KOC cook while you make the rest of the roster full of more all pros while paying your QB discounted dollars. it would be an interesting strategy for someone like the Vikings to trial but would have so much season to season variability that I think it would ultimately get him fired but certainly would be entertaining (though probably incredibly frustrating) for fans
Note: I am not advocating for doing the 2nd point, just commenting on a general belief that O'Connell has gotten a massive amount out of quarter backs who have completely sucked elsewhere or under other coaches (Dobbs, Mullens, ) or made middling ones look like all pros (Darnold, Cousins, Goff)
What kind of contract are you talking about? I have read multiple people say you're not getting him on a 1 year deal and that $20M seems to be the very bottom end. Why would he even consider signing a 1 year deal with a team that is hoping that he won't even play that year?D. Jones or someone similar at $6-$10M for one year is a much better idea than Darnold at $20-$30M over multiple years.
You have a coach who is supposed to be able to get the most out of quarterbacks, take advantage of that.
yeah i don't think anyone has advocated doing that. Darnold (or any vet QB) would be viewed as a one year stop gap due to JJs injury. There won't be any track record/QBs who carry you type guys in that price range and so this would be a one year thing if JJ isn't ready because of how QB contracts are now in that you have to try capitalize on making your team ridiculously good around rookie QBs and try win in their 3rd/4th years of starting while they finish their rookie deals (then they hopefully blossom into that mega superstar who can carry you when their contracts become nutty)
The second part you mention is a rather interesting take (and one I also agree with) that would advocate for doing exactly what Some others are saying not to do. That being, signing journeyman quarterbacks at mid level deals and letting KOC cook while you make the rest of the roster full of more all pros while paying your QB discounted dollars. it would be an interesting strategy for someone like the Vikings to trial but would have so much season to season variability that I think it would ultimately get him fired but certainly would be entertaining (though probably incredibly frustrating) for fans
Note: I am not advocating for doing the 2nd point, just commenting on a general belief that O'Connell has gotten a massive amount out of quarter backs who have completely sucked elsewhere or under other coaches (Dobbs, Mullens, ) or made middling ones look like all pros (Darnold, Cousins, Goff)
i've said the only realistic way he comes back at the number people would be comfortable bringing him back at (20 million probably is cap given what we have on the roster for expenditure and JJ on his rookie deal and pressure to start him) is if Darnold says I'm going to bet on myself and sign one more short term deal to try make absolute bank by showing he can do it consistently (so he ends up not just being desirable for a place like the NYG but an actual borderline contender) and signs a longer term, higher pay deal. I don't know what market he's realistically going to have in the 30+ range for anything over 1-3 years given he will have one year in his entire career he has had a TD:Int ratio better than 2 and looked remotely competent (his prior QBRs are all below the level of an average QB). Don't see someone giving him a Rodgers (37.5), Carr (37.5), or Mayfield (33.3) type deal over more than 3 years right now but could maybe see in the Geno Smith (25) range for 4-5 years but maybe he thinks he can be worth more than that by playing one more year and ending up in the mid 30s for a 5 year deal and then you make 170/6 years instead of 100/3 and have the risk
So in short, doubling down on a short term deal as a "prove it" year (and in a place he knows he likes and coaches that have made him look really good) for a more middling pay bump with the idea he can sign a Cousins like contract after.
Again, why would he sign a contract like that with a team that would really prefer that he never actually sees the field?What kind of contract are you talking about? I have read multiple people say you're not getting him on a 1 year deal and that $20M seems to be the very bottom end. Why would he even consider signing a 1 year deal with a team that is hoping that he won't even play that year?D. Jones or someone similar at $6-$10M for one year is a much better idea than Darnold at $20-$30M over multiple years.
You have a coach who is supposed to be able to get the most out of quarterbacks, take advantage of that.
yeah i don't think anyone has advocated doing that. Darnold (or any vet QB) would be viewed as a one year stop gap due to JJs injury. There won't be any track record/QBs who carry you type guys in that price range and so this would be a one year thing if JJ isn't ready because of how QB contracts are now in that you have to try capitalize on making your team ridiculously good around rookie QBs and try win in their 3rd/4th years of starting while they finish their rookie deals (then they hopefully blossom into that mega superstar who can carry you when their contracts become nutty)
The second part you mention is a rather interesting take (and one I also agree with) that would advocate for doing exactly what Some others are saying not to do. That being, signing journeyman quarterbacks at mid level deals and letting KOC cook while you make the rest of the roster full of more all pros while paying your QB discounted dollars. it would be an interesting strategy for someone like the Vikings to trial but would have so much season to season variability that I think it would ultimately get him fired but certainly would be entertaining (though probably incredibly frustrating) for fans
Note: I am not advocating for doing the 2nd point, just commenting on a general belief that O'Connell has gotten a massive amount out of quarter backs who have completely sucked elsewhere or under other coaches (Dobbs, Mullens, ) or made middling ones look like all pros (Darnold, Cousins, Goff)
i've said the only realistic way he comes back at the number people would be comfortable bringing him back at (20 million probably is cap given what we have on the roster for expenditure and JJ on his rookie deal and pressure to start him) is if Darnold says I'm going to bet on myself and sign one more short term deal to try make absolute bank by showing he can do it consistently (so he ends up not just being desirable for a place like the NYG but an actual borderline contender) and signs a longer term, higher pay deal. I don't know what market he's realistically going to have in the 30+ range for anything over 1-3 years given he will have one year in his entire career he has had a TD:Int ratio better than 2 and looked remotely competent (his prior QBRs are all below the level of an average QB). Don't see someone giving him a Rodgers (37.5), Carr (37.5), or Mayfield (33.3) type deal over more than 3 years right now but could maybe see in the Geno Smith (25) range for 4-5 years but maybe he thinks he can be worth more than that by playing one more year and ending up in the mid 30s for a 5 year deal and then you make 170/6 years instead of 100/3 and have the risk
So in short, doubling down on a short term deal as a "prove it" year (and in a place he knows he likes and coaches that have made him look really good) for a more middling pay bump with the idea he can sign a Cousins like contract after.
@j22 Is JJ ready and healthy? This is all predicated on him not being. If he is, Darnold is the first one who's leaving as I agree there is zero point bringing him back. Would envision quite a few things for JJ are stunted from missing so much of this year due the surgeries and the reps he would've gotten in practice though so I think that would be the question.
He signed this year knowing it was a stopgap move with a chance to prove himself. He was willing to do it once and may be again if they say he has the chance to start. i would envision if they tell him its a wide open competition again that yes he will likely go elsewhere as sitting does him no good at making a bigger contract. agree 100%
Darnold was a Jets 1st round draft choice, nothing else to say
Aloha!
Is Darnold going to wait until you know the answer to that question?@j22 Is JJ ready? This is all predicated on him not being. If he is, Darnold is the first one who's leaving
no idea, i'm not darnold but i'd assume that's the conversation he's going to have with them and that they as the professionals will have a pretty good idea where his health is at heading into the offseason, where his knowledge base is at based on his answers/thoughts in meetings, and how comfortable they feel with him making reads. Hard to know from outside how ready they'll feel but all intents and purposes he was going to sit all of this year and learn, so i'd imagine they'll know how much progress he's made in that regard.
Is Darnold going to wait until you know the answer to that question?@j22 Is JJ ready? This is all predicated on him not being. If he is, Darnold is the first one who's leaving
no idea, i'm not darnold but i'd assume that's the conversation he's going to have with them and that they as the professionals will have a pretty good idea where his health is at heading into the offseason, where his knowledge base is at based on his answers/thoughts in meetings, and how comfortable they feel with him making reads. Hard to know from outside how ready they'll feel but all intents and purposes he was going to sit all of this year and learn, so i'd imagine they'll know how much progress he's made in that regard.
It doesn't help that the Vikings haven't even been able to watch JJ in practice.
I gotta believe the Vikes will know what they want to do in the next couple weeks. These internal discussions can't start when the season ends because that will honestly make the choice for them. If they have any inclination to bring him back to possibly play next year they need to know that sooner rather than later.
The thing is if they roll with JJ that likely means next year is a crapshoot of a season. That might be acceptable coming off a fringe playoff season but they are going to win more games and have decent odds at a nice playoff run...a major step back from that might make them decide differently.
While I don't think this will happen, re-sign Darnold at a reasonable price, and go the GB-ARodg/Love route. Let JJ learn and then come in hot.
I just think some team will offer too much money for Darnold, he'll be elsewhere.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Packers paid Love 4 years 220 million after only playing one season. The Packers put themselves in this position because they drafted him in the 1st round and then had him sit for 3 years.
Last night he was 12 of 20 for 206 yard (59 yards on one play) against a defense that has 13 guys on IR. The next closest team has 7 guys on IR.
Yet they are still in line for a wild card in the toughest division in football.The Packers paid Love 4 years 220 million after only playing one season. The Packers put themselves in this position because they drafted him in the 1st round and then had him sit for 3 years.
Last night he was 12 of 20 for 206 yard (59 yards on one play) against a defense that has 13 guys on IR. The next closest team has 7 guys on IR.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Remember the Vikings would also have the option of franchise tagging Darnold for 1 year at about 40 mil which would be a little over half their current cap space for next year. If he wins a playoff game, as of now at ATL which is very doable and then if he wins a second playoff game then who knows his worth. I’m not seeing JJ as the defacto starting QB in week one next year. I could see Jones on a contract similar to Darnolds this year starting week one with JJ coming in at some point. Basically what the plan was for this year.
Bradbury & O’Neill with back to back blocking wiffs, not a good opening Qtr so far for Purple O or D. Gotta get to KIRK! Bijon Robinson good at picking up blitz, great young RB.
D gets 4th down 🛑 Need a TD drive now!
TD Addison! lol 😝
Why does KOC always call those stupid plays near the red zone? All it did was set us back and now lead to a possible turnover.
You aren't as clever as you think KOC...
edit: thankfully it didn't.
double edit: then a penalty on Atlanta on the FG leads to us getting more downs and JJ gets a TD.
Why does KOC always call those stupid plays near the red zone? All it did was set us back and now lead to a possible turnover.
You aren't as clever as you think KOC...
edit: thankfully it didn't.
double edit: then a penalty on Atlanta on the FG leads to us getting more downs and JJ gets a TD.
Fning KOC & his gimmick play calls in the red zone. Dude you don’t always need to be the smartest guy in the room! Vikings luck out due to Falcons idiotic D holding on FG attempt & Jefferson does the gritty! lol
Can someone explain the simultaneous catch rule?
Our defends hands were on the ball. The offensive players hands were on the defenders hands...
So if a guy picks it off, but then you catch him falling to the ground, do you get a reception there as well?
Atta boy, Sam. That was nice.
Unbelievable play by Darnold!
Darnold avoids 3 defenders who had free runs at him and throws a 55 yard TD to Jefferson his 3rd TD pass of the game (second 50 yard TD pass of the day).
When Mahomes does this it is talked about endlessly.
If Darnold finishes the season strong he is going to get paid!!!!
Can someone explain the simultaneous catch rule?
Our defends hands were on the ball. The offensive players hands were on the defenders hands...
So if a guy picks it off, but then you catch him falling to the ground, do you get a reception there as well?
Its like baseball...tie goes to the offense.
That replay wasn't going to fix anything since neither had possession alone really. If the pick had happened and there was possession it would not have mattered.
Darnold just avoided pressure in a way Cousins is incapable of. Result.. Walk in TD for JJ
Aaaaand the defense goes back to being complete garbage.
Well our D avoided doing anything of value after...
21-21.
Darnold is throwing dimes 😎
Addison gets his 2nd TD!
Darnold is crushing!
Darnold to Addison for 40 yards.
These deep passes are starting to remind of Cunningham or Cullpepper to Moss.
Darnold to Addison TD!!!!!
4 TD passes (2 to Jefferson and 2 Addison).
Need the defense to resemble, well, a defense at least once here.
Or special teams can keep the defense off the field. 😆
ATL makes a questionable decision to return the kickoff. Fumble. Vikings ball.
Tact is the ability to step on a man's toes without messing up the shine on his shoes - Harry S Truman
Brian Asamoah II stripes Ray Ray McCloud
Defensive player makes a HUGE play on special teams.
Hat Trick for #3!