Could Sam Darnold Be The Vikings’ Matt Flynn?
Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Heading into the 2024 season, the general consensus is that Sam Darnold will be the starting quarterback under center for the Minnesota Vikings. It makes sense. Their new, shiny toy in J.J. McCarthy could use some time to sit and study behind a veteran QB, while also learning from an up-and-coming offensive guru in head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Additionally, several key team components could use some TLC before trotting out a rookie quarterback. Pro Bowl tight end and Actual Viking T.J. Hockenson is in danger of missing substantial time, the offensive line still has question marks in the interior, and the Vikings are still in search of a viable third wide receiver option. While all of these things are true, it’s not that we haven’t been surprised before as NFL fans. There have been plenty of examples of young, rookie quarterbacks taking the reins earlier than expected, however, my mind goes to one example that we, as Viking fans, can draw some parallels.
After the 2010 season, Seattle Seahawks veteran Matt Hasselbeck departed for the Tennessee Titans and was replaced by former Viking Tavaris Jackson for the 2011 campaign. As he did with the Vikings, Jackson struggled with consistency and ultimately led the Seahawks to a 7-9 record behind a young, up-and-coming defense.
That had the Seahawks organization looking for veteran leadership heading into the 2012 season. Seattle opted to sign Matt Flynn — who had previously backed up Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay — to a three-year deal. As is customary for most organizations, that also meant planning for the future. In the 2012 NFL Draft the Seahawks doubled down on Wisconsin quarterbacks with Russell Wilson in the third round.
The plan was to start Flynn and let Wilson sit and learn the game. Let the team create some success for a young QB to step into. But Wilson was THAT GUY. Throughout training camp, it became apparent that Wilson was the superior option. Ultimately, the team and coaching staff decided to scrap their original plan and start Wilson to begin the 2012 season. The Seahawks would go on to log an 11-5 record and win one playoff game in the Wild Card round. The rest, as they like to say, is history.
Could this happen in Minnesota? Could McCarthy instantly prove to be THAT GUY? I think so. A lot of people point to McCarthy’s lack of stats in his college career. But me? I like to point to the National Championship he won. Clearly, Harbaugh’s game plan and strategy worked. What alternative are people looking for? Should Harbaugh have gone away from a winning formula for the sole purpose of playing a more pass-oriented offense, or should he have stuck with what made the team the most dominant in the country?
I don’t think it’s a matter of Harbaugh believing McCarthy couldn’t produce at a high level, it’s more of a matter that McCarthy was never asked to shoulder that load, simply because it wasn’t necessary. When Harbaugh called his number, McCarthy rose to the occasion, especially on third-and-long situations. The intangibles are there. The measurables are there. He just needs the opportunity.
As we approach July and the start of training camp, all eyes will be on McCarthy. Part of me wants to see J.J. get the Patrick Mahomes treatment Let the kid sit for 15 or 16 games this season, then get him some playing time towards the end of the year when, presumably, there isn’t much to play for. Another part of me hopes McCarthy can do his best Wilson impression (minus the cringe-worthy commercials) and show us all what his true potential could be. As Vikings fans, we have to trust in our coaching staff. Whatever they ultimately choose, they have McCarthy’s development in mind. It’s up to McCarthy to make it impossible for Kevin O’Connell not to start him and if he does that, I’m going to be here for every second of it.
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