JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Kevin O’Connell pounced Sunday afternoon earlier than anybody had an opportunity to ask. After watching quarterback Sam Darnold throw three interceptions in an unpleasant 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Vikings coach mentioned, “We’re nonetheless 100% assured in Sam. It could be craziness to not be.”
Darnold has began all 9 of the Vikings’ video games this season, serving to them to a 7-2 document with what in some ways is one of the best season of his profession. However he additionally led the NFL with 13 turnovers as of Sunday night, and two of his interceptions towards the Jaguars occurred ultimately zone. Had been it not for 4 subject targets from kicker Parker Romo in his NFL debut, and a trio of fourth-quarter takeaways from the Vikings’ protection, Darnold’s efficiency would have been much more impactful.
Because it was, the Vikings turned solely the fifth group in NFL historical past to win a recreation wherein they dedicated no less than three turnovers and failed to attain a landing, per Professional Soccer Reference’s historic database. However these circumstances by no means led O’Connell to query Darnold, and the coach shook his head vigorously when requested if there was a second through the recreation that he thought-about utilizing backup quarterback Nick Mullens.
“Not one,” he mentioned. “Not one all day lengthy. Actually, I used to be taking a look at it as a fantastic alternative to see progress and proceed to maneuver the group. We’ll test again on this second and use it the appropriate approach, and Sam goes to be higher off for it. I really do consider that.”
O’Connell supplied a extra succinct model of that message to gamers and coaches within the locker room. In keeping with a video the Vikings posted on social media, O’Connell checked out Darnold and mentioned: “Sam, all people on this locker room is aware of you’re the f—ing man that is going to take us there.”
All three of Darnold’s interceptions Sunday got here on balls supposed for receiver Justin Jefferson, who was largely blanketed by a shell protection that made clear the Jaguars weren’t going to let him have a giant recreation. That method opened up lanes for the Vikings’ working recreation, which produced season-highs in yards (169) and carries (43), in addition to for tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver, who mixed for 12 receptions.
“In these moments after they’re enjoying shell protection,” Darnold mentioned, “or they’re enjoying no matter kind of shell man they wish to play. I’ve simply received to proceed to remain affected person and take what they provide me.”
“I’ve received to do so much higher job caring for the soccer. I believe that is apparent. Simply being situationally conscious of the place we’re at on the sector, first and second down, simply with the ability to put the ball in play and let our guys go run with it. I assumed I ought to have executed so much higher job of that at present, however we’ll simply take a look at the tape and study from it that approach.”
Working again Aaron Jones was among the many gamers who expressed help for Darnold as effectively.
“He knew we have been behind him it doesn’t matter what,” Jones mentioned. “He might have video games like this, however that is not indicative of who he’s.”
