By virtually all accounts, any 12 months with a superb regular-season Vikings group is certain to function a crushing Vikings loss both earlier than or in the course of the postseason.
Kevin O’Connell’s 2024 roster, nonetheless, has been as un-flukey as Minnesota squads get.
The chances had been stacked towards the Vikings when incoming rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy went down earlier than he may even make his first begin with a season-ending knee damage. Practically three months into the marketing campaign, although, common supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s compensatory selections have paid off.
He acquired veteran arm Sam Darnold on March 13, a one-year, $10 million deal after the group moved on from longtime slinger Kirk Cousins, which has turned out to be a season-saving transfer. That being stated, regardless of getting Minnesota to a 7-2 document and neck-and-neck with the Detroit Lions for first in each the NFC and the North, the seventh-year quarterback has skilled some rising pains underneath middle.
Here is all the pieces to know in regards to the Vikings quarterback and why he’s unlikely to be benched regardless of current red-zone interceptions — together with a number of within the group’s ugly 12-7 win over Jacksonville on Sunday.
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Minnesota Vikings QB depth chart
| Participant Identify | |
| 1 | Sam Darnold |
| 2 | Nick Mullens |
| 3 | Brett Rypien |
Sam Darnold
In his first season main a group underneath middle since he was the Jets quarterback from 2018-20, Darnold, with the assistance of O’Connell’s intricate offensive thoughts, has managed to show a Vikings group with little hope round.
It helps to have weapons like receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison out large, and the return of tight finish T.J. Hockenson is a welcome addition after ACL restoration, however the 27-year-old remains to be working in the midst of the pack in the case of complete passing yards, completion proportion, and different metrics.
He has seven interceptions on the season, good for fourth within the league and tied with Cousins, San Francisco’s Brock Purdy, Colts’ Anthony Richardson, and Jets’ Aaron Rodgers, all of whom Darnold has overwhelmed thus far.
So, although he will not be essentially the most environment friendly quarterback — with a second-worst three picks within the remaining 20 yards — Darnold is tied with Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow and Buffalo’s Josh Allen with 13 red-zone touchdowns. Each Burrow and Allen are within the MVP dialog, making for good firm.
Nick Mullens
Behind Darnold is Nick Mullens, who performed important minutes in 2023 after Cousins’ Achilles damage. In 5 appearances, although, the quarterback was unable to spice up the Vikings’ already dim playoff hopes.
He recorded simply over 1,300 yards and 7 touchdowns, throwing eight interceptions for a passer ranking of 88.4. Mullens’ three begins had been all Minnesota losses final 12 months, however he nonetheless entered the 2024 marketing campaign as a prepared competitor for the group’s first-string spot when McCarthy entered the image.
Brett Rypien
A 28-year-old vet out of Boise State, Brett Rypien joined the Vikings after quick stints with the Broncos, Rams, Seahawks, and Jets. He appeared twice for Los Angeles in 2023 earlier than heading to Seattle and becoming a member of the follow squad.
Rypien completed the 12 months out in New York on the energetic roster, supporting a quarterback room coping with the lack of Rodgers to an Achilles damage, as nicely. He signed a one-year $1.125 million contract with Minnesota in late August, changing the waived Jaren Corridor in preparation for the 2024 marketing campaign.
