Despite losing back-to-back games after a 5-0 start, the Minnesota Vikings are in a good spot as they near the halfway point of their season.
Veteran quarterback Sam Darnold has played very solid football since first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy was lost for the year in the preseason due to a torn meniscus.
In fact, according to The 33rd Team, Darnold has the best passer rating among all quarterbacks against the blitz (151.8), via The Purple Persuasion.
Believe it or not, Minnesota @Vikings QB Sam Darnold has the best passer rating against the blitz in the #NFL
??: @The33rdTeamFB pic.twitter.com/FffiU3fmFV
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 31, 2024
A Comeback Player of the Year candidate, Darnold has put together a very successful first half of the season after backup stints with both the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers.
He has thrown 14 touchdowns and just five interceptions, completed 67.2 percent of his passes and has an overall passer rating of 107.2.
Without him playing that way, Minnesota likely would be in rough shape.
But also thanks to the play running back Aaron Jones, the Vikings are in the thick of contention in the NFC.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson is playing like his usual All-Pro self as well.
The Vikings also are about to have Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson for the first time this season.
Minnesota has five games remaining on its schedule against teams currently with a .500 record or worse.
In Week 9, the Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts, who are changing starting quarterbacks, on “Sunday Night Football.”
NEXT: Vikings Announce Trade With Jaguars For Veteran Left Tackle
