What Minnesota Vikings Fans Can Expect From Sam Darnold (Film Breakdown) 

I hope Darnold finally finds success. I think he has the talent.

Been watching Sam since High School and I absolutely agree that the Vikings made a great choice picking him up. He’s been in terrible situations in the past, but this Vikings team might actually give him his first shot at a solid season.

Wow. Great video. Now it’s clear why the Vikings signed Darnold. Steve Young said early in the 2023 season that if he had to sit for a season to refocus or be a rookie & learn the pro game today that he’d pick the 49ers. No wonder. Hope Darnold tears it up this season.

Sam has elite talent. His footwork within the pocket is top notch. His arm talent is superb. It's crazy how badly the Jets and Panthers tried to botch his development. The Vikings are going to get a version of Sam that made him the #3 overall pick. He's going to make the Jets and Panthers look very stupid for their lack of patience and their inability to put Talent around him. One of the most frustrating things I have seen is watching these franchises nearly ruin Sam's career with terrible mismanagement. Sam Darnold will be an Elite QB in the NFL mark my words.

Mullens threw over 400 yards against the division champ Lions in a Week 16 matchup with heavy playoff implications. The Vikings only lost because Mullens ALSO threw 4 INTs. If you don't think Sam Darnold can produce better results with the same tools than Nick frickin' Mullens, you're crazy.

If KOC is the coach we, in Minnesota, think he is, Darnold is the Franchise QB they have needed since 10!

49ers fan here. Give Sam Darnold a decent O-Line and he'll be fine.

Great observation of elite footwork in the pocket. I'm getting a feeling that Sam Darnold could shock the world with the Vikings, who could wind up with two good starting QBs - Darnold, and whoever their new rookie is.

One thing I notice about Darnold with his Niners highlights, is his feet. His Jets/Panthers highlights he very much has happy feet, dancing around. Meanwhile, with the Niners he plants them and then releases the ball.

At a minimum, he lets the Vikings go into the draft knowing they have a quality QB. If they don't get their man in the draft, they can go after other needs, knowing that they have someone who can do that job.

Gunna be the most fun ive had paying attention to training camp ever probably.

It’s been more than 15 years ago, but I still remember an amazing Heisman Trophy winning quarterback drafted by the Bengals who became an elite QB quickly. He was on a Super Bowl run in only his 3rd season (2nd as a starter) until a hit blew out his knee while he was throwing a 60+ yard completion in a playoff game. He left the Bengals while still an elite QB in 2010 & won a divisional playoff game vs Aaron Rodgers 2015 Packers. I would’ve rather seen my Steelers lose that playoff game than win the way they did with the Bengals QB injury. Jordan Palmer looks & sounds a lot like him. 😀 Your brother was truly an elite QB. Whether with the Bengals, Raiders or Cardinals, I always enjoyed watching him play because of how he played the position. It was rare in 2002 but seems even more rare today to see QBs of that size, athletic ability, arm talent & the brains to transition so quickly into a top NFL QB. Your brother was a special NFL QB & when you talk quarterbacking in your videos, I can see why. You both have minds & an intelligence wired for this that’s even superior to most QBs sharing the same traits. I learned that most college degrees are easily attainable through study because there are different categories of intelligence. But for a few subject areas, most don’t require extremely fast thinking & processing, which in my opinion evolved in humans as a survival trait. The best QBs have those traits. I’ve been an NFL fan since a child in the 1970s & have a memory for NFL games & events that surprises even my own family. In 1980 I was almost a teenager when I realized that my Steelers were not going to the Super Bowl every year. I became interested in the rest of the NFL & followed as many of the teams & stories with which I could keep up. To this day I’m amazed how many fans think they know what they’re seeing without accepting that NFL scouts, coaches, former & current players & other NFL professionals are the real experts who know 100 times more & listening to their explanations helps fans understand & appreciate the game even more. Anyway, sorry to get into all this here. It’s not everyday that I can post something on the channel of someone whom I truly admire for his contribution to the NFL through coaching these young men to be better QBs & won’t mention it after this. Thank you for the channel & good luck to you & your QBs in the upcoming draft.

I remember you... I always used to get you and Carson mixed up because I would watch the game and see Carson play and then see you on the sidelines and think that was you.. 😆 I wish you got more of a actual chance I think you had good potential and never got your break... thanks for your input.. it's always fascinating to me when you hear a quarterback talking to you and dissecting plays ▶️ and giving fans a chance to see what you see 👀 and realize how hard it really is to get the snap have good footwork and a good release.. and go through your progressions while moving around and dodging defenders that is hard..

Now that the Viking picked up Sam Darnold tell us what he can do with the Vikings Offense . Thank you!!!

Thanks for this. I'm a Vikes fan, and was surprised when KOC jumped all over Darnold as soon as Kirk went out the door. I remember Darnold playing pretty well in difficult circumstances for the Panthers so after the Vikes signed him I went back and watched the 49ers week 18 game, and his first 4 games for the Panthers in 2021, and I was really surprised at how good he was. In fact I thought he looked vastly superior to Cousins in the pocket, and a real rushing threat. He does make the odd mistake but usually under pressure or when playing catch up, and the supporting cast often let him down with O Line penalties, drops etc. I trust KOCs judgement implicitly, and I honestly believe that Sam will start this season, and I can't see any rookie taking the job off him. The Vikes O Line is sound, and their offensive weapons are pretty good, especially when Hockenson returns. Consider that KOC was able to engineer wins with Josh Dobbs and even kept Mullens competitive. Many Vikes fans have nasty prior convictions on Sam, but I think Sam could thrive under KOC & McCown's coaching and play calling. I really don't see any reason why he couldn't turn out to be better than Cousins. Cousins has grown in everyone's eyes over the last 3 or 4 seasons, but folks forget that Sam is 9 years younger than Kirk and just starting his journey. He would be a fantastic mentor for McCarthy or Maye too. Thanks for your in depth analysis. I will link it in the many arguments I am likely to have with other Vikes fans that just don't understand the game to the level you do. Skol!

Seen a lot of people laughing online when Vikes signed Darnold. But I think he's going to be sneaky good with the Vikes. Love this video.

We got Sam for a steal.. and having kirk walk for a brinks truck 🚚 of money 💰 and I am happy that sam is taller and has more twitch than kirk... Sam can run 🏃‍♂️ too.. I like the addition to the Vikings he'll have at least two alpha receiver options in Addison and Jefferson and now Aaron Jones in the backfield scary 😳 weapons and a few tight ends. I think he's going to be good.. people who don't know are absolutely whining about it but I think he's got it... he's going to have a aggressive defense and offensive scheme to run.. SKOL VIKINGS

Way to break down Sam , Great Analysis Brother, I'd like to see Minnesota not need a rookie QUARTERBACK.

This was Minnesota's only chance to get a good QB. The receiver core will never be this good again

Sam Darnold is a mix between Kirk Cousins and Josh Allen. Good in the Pocket and can Run!

I believe hes going to start balling out

This is what so many analysts seem to miss: QB performance depends on a plethora of factors: coaching, blocking, weapons, play calling. It seems most analysts (and dare I say GMs) are too hasty to throw out QBs early in their development. There are analysts who even use the team wins/losses as a criteria for QB assessment. Football has an offense, a defense, and special teams. The schedule can affect wins/losses. The offense is at most 1/3 of a team's performance. The QB is at most 1/3 of the offense's performance. What is needed is deep breakdown of tape and the fine points of QB play. Stats like time to release the ball can help assessment. But if blocking is bad it affects that stat too. At the end of the day it is really up to the drafting, trading, coaching and play calling to set up a team for success, and the right recipe for the QB to contribute to that success. I have watched so many receivers drop balls perfectly passed to them. Yet the QB is assessed on completion percentage. Almost no QB comparison is apples to apples. Each situation is unique. Hope Sam does well in Minnesota. But there is talk Minn. is looking to trade up to get a QB in the draft. It never ends.

Keep in mind, the age darnold is right now is when Aaron rodgers became the guy at GB

He's in his best situation team wise and a former QB at head coach, he can still be okay at least.

KOC got the best out of cousins i expect him to do the same with Darnold. He's going to be atleast decent & give the rookie time to ease in

I think ppl are too much into the bust looking Darnold from the Jets and Panthers. But, sitting on a good team for a year and now going to a coach that can work with him in KOC... I think KOC can get the most of him. I don't think he'll be a trainwreck, specially with the weapons the Vikings have!

Sam was solid for the first couple of games when he got to Carolina.

Jordan had a crystal ball! Great film breakdown!!

As a panthers fan, I can tell you exactly what to expect. He’ll make some sneaky athletic plays , some amazing throws, then some absolutely awful throws that will make you tear your shirt off. Overall, he’s a decent qb he just overthinks. If you guys keep the playbook simple, you may sneak into the wildcards. But expect long, boring defensive games, a lot of field goals , and a few fun quarters

Sam Darnold has the best arm talent in that Division... well, at least until the Bears officially draft Caleb Williams. Sam was an MVP candidate in his first 4 games with the Panthers until McCaffrey went down and their receivers led NFL in drops. Then went 4-2 in 2nd season nearly leading the Panthers to a Division title while leading the NFL in yards/completion. If he can stop forcing throws into double & triple coverage, he'll have his best season and lead the Vikings to the post season.

Now San Fran has Dobbs lol!

Also still hasn't had the same offense cor. 2 years in a row which is crazy

I aways thought sam would be good but he definitely came out of college to early and then the jets gave him no help at all

Hopefully we can protect him. We couldn't protect Kirk.

The problem in general is people who watch football think they know more than the average bear but they don't. Even if you are an avid follower of college football there's no way you could know enough about all these players. The NFL teams don't know it all and they have scouting teams. All I want to see is that the Vikings, based on their evaluations, draft the best player regardless of position not on need.

I expect him to bee a great backup!! 🤞🏽🤞🏽

Easing my mind a little as a vikings fan

SKOL 🍻✨️

Something has to happen to get the Vikes to the SB. I am slowly going up in age as I could become the last witness to see the Vikes in the SB. It would be great to have them win a SB before the end of my life. The lions will!

Great clip, with the Vikings current interior OL he would get mauled with interior DL penetration. Comparing the SF OL against the Viking OL is very misleading, ask Brice Young about playing behind a weak interior OL.

Is this carson palmers podcast ?

If the Vikings don’t address interior OL again this season he’ll look horrible

If you can't protect the QB, I don't care how good they are, hello ? Anyone home ??

As usual, Jordo fair in his assessment of Darnold . We'll see .There are alot boxes that need to be checked or unchecked . I bummed about losing cousins. Last time kirk had back to back OC( clint), pff called him the 5th best qb in NFL. To put that in prospective, that was Herbert's incredible rookie season where he clocked in at 90.3 ( pff) at 4th. Cousins right behind him. He was on his way last year under koc/ Wes. As soon as kirk put video out on tennis court , I knew it was over. They likely offered him another one year band aid( gtd). That's called frustration. Getting back to Sam, Palmer is right .This position is so hard command on an NFL level .I'm open to see how Sam handles all the little things as he's still green in his career. In fact , there are qbs in every draft so I hope vikings think twice before they give up these premium picks for someone that they can't be 100% on.

Sam darnold is the new Sam Bradford

Coaches look at former 1st round qbs like women look at men in prison... "I just know I can fix him."

Man Jordan I hope you’re right. I trust you. Vikes stay at 11 and grab Penix Jr. Injuries and all. That’s the man. Just keep him upright. I just don’t know if McCarthy is the answer.

Hopefully a 35 mill five year extension

Unfortunately he had similar stats as Mullens, I am hoping he cleans up his game with good tools on the field. Else dueling banjo air balls will be a long season for the Vikes.

Can Seahawks fans get a Sam Howell please 🙏

Skol that

Sam will do very well for the Vikes. Very good choice!!! He's not the future though, more of a stop-gap. If the Vikings do manage to climb the draft??? They should go after Bo Nix. Excellent fit for the Vikings, could be great right out the gate and be long term for them! The other QB prospects which are ranked higher in the draft are the typical big name QB's, most of whom are either a huge bust or take a couple of years to adapt.

Short answer here, interceptions

If Sam Darnold starts the Vikings will go a perfect 0-17.

Sammy dimes

Hopefully he doesn't play a single snap for the vikings

They can expect him to sit on the bench and backup our new starting rookie! Period

I expect him to be benched by week 4.

He’s not a bad qb at all.

He will have his best season. That's not a hard take because so far he hasn't lived up to his pick.

If Darnold is ultimately the starter....it's another wasted season off the jump. He's been a back up all his NFL career FOR A REASON!!

I really hope people temper their expectations. Yes we're providing him an exceptional team around him, but this guy hasn't shown consistency ever.

For God's sake cool it with the switching camera angles every two seconds!!!

Sam isn't some project that didn't get a shot at starting, he is a bust. In 6 seasons his career numbers are... 59.7% comp, 63TD, 56INT, 78.3 Rate, that's what you can expect from Sam Darnold. Welcome to QB purgatory...

Believe it wen I see it can he do it consistently thru 17 games we shall see 👀

Watch...He will be a DUDE in 2024...and they'll have a dilemma. Keep him or get rid of him in favor of this year's draft QB. Uh OH !!

I don’t know, man

They can expect the same thing the Jets did😂

Man….. I just didn’t know. This is the most Vikings situation ever. It don’t usually go well. My heart already hurts. But I hope I am wrong.

Why draft a project when you can load up on offense? OConnell is an offensive guy. Move up and draft Marvin Harrison Jr. Pay JJ. Role with Darnold and draft a QB in the later rounds. If they ran MHJ, JJ, Addison and Hock… with Aaron Jones. That would be absolutely filthy. Seriously. Every year there are always these QB’s that are “Phenomenal” that end up being mediocre at best. Why not draft the auto pilot W in MHJ? Look at what Dallas did with CeeDee. Lock in the talent this year and trade up next year if you want. Vikings have McCown. He played with Darnold and knows he can play. They paid him 10mil. Load up. Don’t draft a QB in the first round. Let Sam play. Get the best offensive weapon in the draft.

Can cherry pick first round qbs through out nfl history who didn't work out to use as a argument against slingin sam , alot of those were picked way higher than they should have been cuz of desperate teams. It's alot more rare to find qbs taken in the top 3 or even top 10 to be one of the guys picked 3 rounds before they should be. 3rd overall is probably high for sam with how his career has gone, if didn't go 3rd still would have been picked in top 10. There's reasons why he went 3rd and would've gone top 10 and reasons why he keeps getting picked up by teams as qb2 instead of just disappearing on depth charts or being out of the league like ponder or harrington . He's got elite physical skills (running, arm strength probably top 8 and had developed good accuracy) and must have a good enough football IQ for coaches known to be QB experts or whisperers or whatever to pick him as qb2 or 1 . Kyle Shannahan probably has a decent idea of whst to look for in a qb and picked sam as primary backup and really could have started in sf if the locker room and entire city wouldn't have mutinied Kyle for benching purdy. Koc and mccown also know pretty well what it takes to be a decent nfl qb and know exactly what they want in a qb. They didn't settle on sam. THEY CHOSE HIM even without knowing if they'd get a qb in the draft. He's good enough that Josh & koc were/are prepared to ride the darnold express as qb1 . Dude is still pretty young (like 26) even though seems like he's been around for a decade. Realistically should just be hitting his prime years starting now where his decision making mental abilities and physical skills are all in sync. Also last season was really his first not in a toxic situation trying to carry a mid at best team with below mid coaches and structure. Being able to "sit" most of last year without all the pressure and criticism is great for fixing mentally and confidence along with getting a season of excellent coaching and development he's going to an offense that'll be similar to last season. I'm looking forward to the future with J.J. . But I'm looking forward to this season with sam. I guarantee September 2025 sam darnold is a starting qb somewhere with a nice payday. Vikings gonna surprise alot of folks this year who are sleeping on what koc can do with a bigger, faster, more athletic and younger version of kirk

TOP NOTCH QB CAN MOVE OUT TO THE RIGHT FIND OPEN RECEIVERS VIKES SHOULD HAVE KEPT CASE KEENUM DARNOLD WILL DO IT COUSINS TO AFRAID TO WAS PAID WAY TO MUCH HUNTER TOO GO KWESI SKOL BROTHER GO VIKES

So what you're saying is that it's a craps shoot? It'd be nice to get back to playing with whole teams again rather than just individual players --- 40 for 60 and all of that old-time bullshit.

Vikings fans can expect sam darnold to play for the other team and throw alot of interceptions the way he has his whole career

The more you look at single plays to determine a guy's worth, the less you'll really know. I've seen some really bad football players make some great plays. As a former player and coach, I know what it takes to be successful, consistently. Has nothing to do with plays here and there.

Vikings signed him to tutor the rookie QB they are going to draft this year. Minny is finally copying GB's winning formula. They won't miss KC.

worst case, he also doesnt get the vikes to the playoffs, but for $30M a year less.

Do not sleep on sam Donald I'm telling you

Comp% 59.7 Yards 12,064 TDs 63 Int 56 Rating 78.3 = Career back up.

Bro throwing the ball is throwing he's not a finisher

Sam Darnold is going to be an absolute bust. He is a bust He's slow, big-armed and can't hit the broad side of a barn.

Disappointment. Pain. The Stench of Failure. That's what Sam Darnold brings.

Potential is much more than check down Kirk

nothing.

Man keeps failing up.

Looked at the receiver the entire process. Knew he was throwing it the whole way, didn’t even go through progressions. Step up slow, could easily been sacked. No confidence or vision for the game. Vikings will maybe win 6 games.

They can expect below average QB rating and a team that is in disarray!

More losing thats what they should expect!😂

I’ll save you 11 minutes: NOTHING.

His success will fall on the play calling. To be fair, he is a stop gap QB, the Vikings probably reach for a young QB in the 2024 draft, who will probably be a bust and Darnold has a career year, a short playoff run, then the Vikings sign some other veteran next year. Sound very Vikingesque.😂

Not good

A little below average QB. That's what to expect.

They can expect he will throw 2 or 3 interceptions every other game 👍perfect for Kwazy and OKernal 😂😂😂