When Sam Darnold stepped up to replace first-round pick J.J. McCarthy as Vikings starting quarterback, Minnesota probably didn’t expect any potential for a future QB controversy. But through three games, the football gods have decided to be all about Sam Darnold.

Sam Darnold matched his career high with four touchdown passes, and the undefeated Minnesota Vikings used another dominant performance on defense to trounce C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans 34-7 on Sunday.

Jonathan Greenard had three of the four sacks of Stroud, his former teammate, as the Vikings (3-0) intercepted the 2023 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year twice while rattling the Texans (2-1) with their aggressive and unpredictable scheme — and the crowd noise that cranked up with each stop.

Sam Darnold wasn't supposed to be the Minnesota Vikings' full-time starter in 2024. Instead, he was supposed to be a pricy insurance policy for a young quarterback. Minnesota acquired a pair of first round draft picks before landing Michigan star J.

T he Minnesota Vikings are arguably the biggest surprise team in the 2024 season with the biggest factor being their quarterback Sam Darnold. He is having a renaissance season wit