Sam Darnold is coming off arguably the best game of his NFL career last week in his Minnesota Vikings debut against the New York Giants, and he brought that confidence into the team's home opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
After his defense came up with a big stop on fourth down, Darnold was back at his own 3-yard line when head coach Kevin O'Connell decided to call a risky play with star receiver Justin Jefferson running downfield.
So instead of creating more space with a shorter play, Darnold showed off his arm cannon and threw the ball deep to Jefferson, who had separation from his 49ers defenders.
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a 97-yard touchdown pass over San Francisco 49ers safety Ji'Ayir Brown (27) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Darnold's pass was a thing of beauty as he got to Jefferson in mid-motion for the big finish.
However, Jefferson's elusive skills and incredible speed were on full display after the catch.
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Jefferson was aiming for the opposing goal as he ran to the left, made a quick stop and ran toward the right front pylon as San Francisco defenders tried to take him down.
But the 49ers couldn't get the job done as Jefferson converted a 97-yard touchdown to completely surprise the 49ers.
The score was the longest for the Vikings as a team since 2008, when Bernard Berrian scored a 99-yard touchdown pass from Gus Frerotte.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at US Bank Stadium. (Images by Jeffrey Becker-Imagn)
Darnold was named the Vikings' starter after rookie JJ McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus that will keep him out for the season, and O'Connell relied on the veteran with his weapons-laden offense.
That was clear in Week 1 on the road against the Giants, with Darnold throwing for 208 yards on a highly efficient 19-of-24 passing game with two touchdowns and an interception. And on one of those touchdown passes against New York, Darnold showed off that raw arm strength when he threw a ball to Jalen Nailor down the right sideline knowing he was about to get hit by a defender.
But arm strength was never in question for Darnold, the third overall pick by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft, and this blast to Jefferson is just another example of that.
The Vikings defeated the tough 49ers last season on “Monday Night Football” as San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy struggled to get things going.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at US Bank Stadium. (Images by Brad Rempel-Imagn)
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Darnold hopes to continue that trend, and plays like this one to Jefferson will be crucial to pulling off the big upset.
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