Pioneer Press: The day that Darnold won over the Viking's fanbase

[StickierBuns]

https://www.twincities.com/2024/09/23/da...e-vikings/

COLUMN: Sam Darnold emerged from the medical tent and trotted back onto the field.

Make no mistake about it.

That was the moment that Darnold won over the Vikings fan base.

[Greylock]

Any thing else good in that article, since its behind a paywall?

[JR44]

I was thinking in that moment, what a bummer that JJM was not healthy. When he came back on the field, I was wondering if it would have been the same level of relief and excitement to see him coming back in to replace JJM instead of Mullins. Not saying anyone would want to see him hurt or not be able to come back into the game especially the way he is playing, but just do not think it would have been at the same level of relief as we would have known we were in capable hands with JJM. It made me wonder if JJM not being in Darnold's shadow may have been a positive thing for him this season and has helped in fully embrace being the leader of the team and the QB the fan base is fully behind.

[StickierBuns]

  It made me wonder if JJM not being in Darnold's shadow may have been a positive thing for him this season and has helped in fully embrace being the leader of the team and the QB the fan base is fully behind.

I've thought this and agree with you. His full ownership of it being 'his' team would be lesser-than with JJM on the bench on gamedays.

[Zanary]

I'm hoping that we have a truly glorious mess, QB-wise, to deal with next year.

I've been hopeful for a "Sam Darnold Redemption" season since he was announced, because the story...well, it's just SO good, y'know? He has the tools, the size, some experience, but can he get out from under any hits to his confidence on a couple of bad teams?

So far...hell, yes. I'm admittedly loving this, doubly because I got a few lectures from the doom-and-gloom crowd figuring we'd be lucky to get 3 wins all season long.

I figure that a good offseason showing means that Darnold may become too expensive to keep after this season, definitely for more than two seasons, so...JJM still won't wait all that long.

[Vikergirl]