Sam Darnold had the best game of his NFL career last week in his Minnesota Vikings debut against the New York Giants and will carry that confidence into Sunday's home opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
After the defense made a big stop on fourth down, Darnold was back at his own 3-yard line, but head coach Kevin O'Connell decided to call a risky play with star receiver Justin Jefferson running down the field.
So instead of creating space on a short play, Darnold showed off his cannon arm and fired a pass to Jefferson deep down the field, splitting the 49ers defenders apart.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE FOXNEWS.COM
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a 97-yard touchdown pass over the head of San Francisco 49ers safety Ziaire Brown (27) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abby Parr)
Darnold's pass was spectacular, hitting Jefferson and completing a beautiful pass.
But Jefferson's agility and incredible speed were on full display after the catch.
Sam Darnold's bounce-back season is off to a strong start while other QBs struggle to find their footing
Jefferson, with San Francisco defenders trying to close him down, ran left, made a quick stop and sprinted to the right front pylon looking to score.
But the 49ers couldn't get the job done as Jefferson scored a 97-yard touchdown to shock the 49ers.
The score was the Vikings' longest as a team since 2008, when Bernard Berrian caught Gus Frerotte for a 99-yard touchdown.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images)
With rookie J.J. McCarthy out for the remainder of the season with a torn meniscus, Darnold was named the Vikings' starter and O'Connell entrusted his weapon-laden offense to the veteran journeyman.
That was evident in Week 1 on the road against the Giants, when Darnold was highly efficient, completing 19 of 24 passes for 208 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, and on one of his touchdown passes against New York, Darnold showed off his natural arm strength by hurling a pass to Jalen Naylor down the right sideline knowing that it would be hit by a defender.
But there's no doubting Darnold's arm strength after he was selected third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft, and that thunderous pass to Jefferson was a perfect example of that.
Last season, with San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy struggling, the Vikings beat the powerhouse 49ers on “Monday Night Football.”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. (Brad Rempel-Imagn Images)
Click here to get the FOX News app
Darnold will be hoping that trend continues, and a play like this against Jefferson could be crucial to pulling off a major upset.
Follow Fox News Digital X's sports coverage Subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
