Sam Darnold became the unexpected star of the 2024 season as the Minnesota Vikings recorded their third 10-win season in six years with a narrow victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Rookie quarterback Darnold was likely to be J.J. McCarthy's backup at some point this year before his injury, and he staked his claim as a Comeback Player of the Year candidate on Sunday. .
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the second half of a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 1, 2024 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Crookhorn)
He put the Vikings on the back foot with an eight-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Jones. Minnesota took a 23-22 lead with 1:13 left in the game and won by the same score.
Darnold completed 21 of 31 passes for 235 passing yards and two touchdowns. The pass to Jones sealed the biggest comeback of Darnold's career. The other touchdown pass went to Johnny Mundt.
“There's no other place I'd rather play. I'm really grateful to be a Viking,” the veteran quarterback told FOX's Pam Oliver after the game.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass during the first half of a game against the Arizona Cardinals. (AP Photo/Abby Parr)
Darnold was Brock Purdy's backup with the San Francisco 49ers last year and is trying to get Minnesota back into the playoffs.
Minnesota cornerback Shaquill Griffin picked off Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to end the game.
Murray's touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. gave Arizona a 19-6 lead with 4:37 left in the third quarter. Darnold responded with a touchdown pass to Mundt on the next drive.
Murray completed 31 of 45 passes for 260 passing yards, one touchdown pass, and two interceptions. The other interception was thrown by Byron Murphy Jr.
Cardinals tight end Trey McBride led the team with 12 catches for 96 yards. Harrison had five catches for 60 yards.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) catches a 15-yard touchdown pass over Minnesota Vikings cornerback Fabian Morrow during the second half. (AP Photo/Abby Parr)
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Minnesota is 10-2 this season. Arizona lost 6-6.
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