ESPN: How Darnold went from bust to MVP candidate

[StickierBuns]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/4158...2018-draft

"The NFL is awash this season with concerns about quarterback play and the lockdown that defenses have shown on downfield throwing -- for most teams, anyway.

In Minnesota, the message to quarterback Sam Darnold has been decidedly different.

"If I've told him once I've told him 100 times," coach Kevin O'Connell said this week, "'You're as talented of a deep-ball thrower as I've been around, and I want you to take the [opportunities], and I want you to be confident to pull the trigger.'"

[purplefaithful]

I'm happy for us, players and Sam. He and the team had a great September...

But I am still in prove-it mode. 

September for show/December for dough.

Seems live I've lived it a million times.

[StickierBuns]

I'm happy for us, players and Sam. He and the team had a great September...

But I am still in prove-it mode. 

September for show/December for dough.

Seems live I've lived it a million times.

Same here. Its just not something you are going to shake if you are a long time suffering fan. You just can't. Doesn't mean we aren't having fun on the ride. Seems us long timers are always qualifying things by saying, 'Loving it! But.....' Its why I make sure to have fun and pump things up on the board with positive stories. 

[MaroonBells]

I'm happy for us, players and Sam. He and the team had a great September...

But I am still in prove-it mode. 

September for show/December for dough.

Seems live I've lived it a million times.

Ha! Understandable. But I don't think this is going away. Sure, he'll have bad games; they all have bad games; Mahomes has bad games. As someone said earlier, the proof in his pudding will be how he comes back from those games. But for the first time in his career, Sam is matching very good arm talent, which he's always had, to very good coaching, weapons and protection. And barring a rash of injuries, those things aren't going away.

[JimmyinSD]

his downfield accuracy and arm strength/touch are what has been most impressive to me, i didnt watch him much prior to getting here, but he seems comfortable, which leads to decisive, and that leads to improved timing and accuracy.

[hogjowlsjohnny]

Ha! Understandable. But I don't think this is going away. Sure, he'll have bad games; they all have bad games; Mahomes has bad games. As someone said earlier, the proof in his pudding will be how he comes back from those games. But for the first time in his career, Sam is matching very good arm talent, which he's always had, to very good coaching, weapons and protection. And barring a rash of injuries, those things aren't going away.

The true test will be when he has to come from behind. So far he has performed well when he had to seal the deal.
I have confidence in him. He tries to do too much sometimes, but so far he has been lucky in those situations.

[Vikergirl]

In addition to his accuracy and arm strength, there is a growth and confidence there. He has the support of his coaches and that makes a difference. They are playing to his strengths and he is in a good head space which is a great combination. There will be some bad games but the way he has responded to being sacked and fumbling is a good signs. Mistakes will be made but learning from them is important. His body language after a mistake shows that he recognizes what he can do better. He said he learned to improve study habits and learned from experience. I think he still sees that he can learn and grow and is willing to put in the work