But Matthew Berry says....

[Zanary]

I think we'd be having very different conversations about SD if he did dazzle, won the NORTH and a playoff game or two.

Absolutely, but...the "ifs" have plagued every QB we've had forever. The OL protection is a legit reason/excuse for a lot of problems for too many seasons, but Darnold's deer-in-headlights tendencies under elite pressure from top-line defenses was undeniable. He can bounce back from mistakes, he's proven that, but if the opposing defense gets him to doubt his reads/processes, he wilts. Maybe some of that could be laid at KOC's feet for not getting him quick/simple plays to help his timing and confidence, but most of it's on Sam.

The long and short of it is that winning deep into the playoffs takes a very impressive team, overall, and the star players need to "dazzle" under the brightest lights. The Vikings have winced in those situations for a long time.

[purplefaithful]

Dimes will be gone if Darnold stays.  I still don't really see the upside of another year of Darnold unless you believe McCarthy isn't the answer.

Yah, I tend to agree with both...

I'm not pounding the table for an extension. But I wouldn't lose sleep over a 2 year, easy out contract for Sam. As long as JJ gets a real shot at QB1 and we're not wasting valuable time with a rookie qb contract.