Sam Darnold has become the unlikely 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.
Darnold, a cut quarterback who was likely to become a backup to JJ McCarthy at some point this year before the rookie was injured, staked his claim on Sunday as the man to beat for Comeback Player of the Year.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
He brought the Vikings onto the field on an eight-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Jones. Minnesota took the lead 23-22 with 1:13 left in the game and won by the same score.
Darnold was 21 of 31 with 235 passing yards and two touchdown passes. The pass to Jones sparked 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 so 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 against the Arizona Cardinals. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Darnold was a backup to Brock Purdy with the San Francisco 49ers last year and is poised to return Minnesota to the playoffs.
Minnesota cornerback Shaquil Griffin picked off Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to end the game.
Murray’s touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. put Arizona up 19-6 with 4:37 left in the third quarter. Darnold answered with his touchdown pass to Mundt on the next drive.
Murray was 31 of 45 with 260 passing yards, a touchdown pass and two interceptions. The other interception was given to Byron Murphy Jr.
Cardinals tight end Trey McBride led the team with 12 catches for 96 yards. Harrison had five catches for 60 yards.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (18), the Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, catches a 15-yard touchdown pass to Minnesota Vikings cornerback Fabian Moreau during the second half. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Minnesota is now 10-2 on the season. Arizona fell to 6-6.
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