With a strong first-half performance against the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, the Minnesota Vikings continued to surprise everybody. Once again, quarterback Sam Darnold was the main attraction. In the second quarter, Darnold found standout wide receiver Justin Jefferson for a 97-yard touchdown, giving the Vikings a 10-0 lead at home. Even though Darnold would throw an interception later in the half, Colin Cowherd, a well-known sportscaster, suggested that the Vikings quarterback is definitely in the running for the NFL MVP Award.
Though it’s early for any player midway through his second game of the season, the talk starts with a strong road effort against the New York Giants in Week 1. In his debut start as a member of the team, Darnold guided Minnesota to a 28-6 victory away from home. After the day, he had 208 throwing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Beyond that, a Giants defender was able to break through and hit Darnold mid-throw primarily because of a deficiency in offensive line protection, more than any fault on his part.
Despite the absence of two-time Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson, who is still sidelined due to a knee injury sustained late in the previous season, the Vikings offense performed admirably. In addition, WR2 Jordan Addison had an ankle injury during the game and did not return. On Sunday, September 15, Darnold completed the first half against the 49ers 8 of 15 for 171 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception while again being without Hockenson and Addison. The Vikings attempted to get off to a 2-0 start and led 13–7 at the break.
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