Sam Darnold Gets HUGE Praise From Shannon Sharpe And Tedy Bruschi
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
After several turnover filled games, it appears Sam Darnold is officially back on track. The Vikings’ quarterback has spent the last 2 weeks making the right decision at every turn. Where once there were forced throws to Justin Jefferson(that became interceptions) there are now smart throw aways and appropriately taken sacks. Despite the team’s late game collapse, Darnold was simply phenomenal on Sunday. His game winning drive in overtime was as big time of an effort as we’ve seen all year.
On ESPN’s First Take, Darnold got a big vote of confidence from both Tedy Bruschi and Shannon Sharpe.
While discussing which NFC North teams victory was most impressive on Sunday, Bruschi started by admitting the former Jet is finally making him a believer.
“I have been absolutely not with Sam Darnold the entire year. I’ve been waiting for the old Sam Darnold to come out. The one that makes bad decisions, that put the ball in harms way…I’ve been waiting for it and there has been a little bit yes, but not enough [to think he’s the old Sam]… That overtime drive, I mean there was a sack, possibly by Sweat, that had him, he held on to the football came back after that, fired it down the field! I’m starting to be a Sam Darnold fan! I mean it took me 12-13 weeks, it took me a little while to get on the train.
It seems like the quarterback head coach relationship is there. Pair that with the defense, in a one game scenario down the line, I mean say It’s wild card or divisional, if they play the Detroit Lions can they do it in one game? And can Sam play good enough to beat them? I think so! That’s how much that I’ve been impressed by the Vikings.
I know it was Chicago, but still it was stressful situations in the game and he continued to perform and take care of the football. He’s on fire the last couple week so Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings very impressed by them.”
Sharpe would go on to agree.
“Tedy I agree with you because It was a divisional win on the road and you and I both know how hard it is to win divisional games on the road no matter what the records are! I don’t care what it is, something about a division opponent when you have familiarity and they know you, you know them.
But I was really impressed with Sam Darnold and on a day that the Chicago Bears did a great job of taking away Justin Jefferson from him, he had to go elsewhere to get production and he got it from Addison… he got it from TJ Hockenson…Those guys showed up even when they took the best player away… and Sam Darnold said you know what I’m not going to force it I believe in these other guys… I believe they can make plays. “
It’s nice to see Darnold get his due after fixing his mid season woes. Sunday was the exact sort of performance the team needs.
The early-season blow outs are not a realistic standard moving forward. Minnesota has to have their quarterback in rhythm with their offensive play calling head coach. They need Darnold distributing the ball evenly, while making smart decisions. Given how well the defense is playing, if Darnold can continue to do that he will have a lot more believers than Bruschi and Sharpe.
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