Sam Darnold helps the Vikings to their 10th win of the season in a win over the Cardinals
Sam Darnold has become the unlikely star of the 2024 season as the Minnesota Vikings secured their third 10-win season in six years with a close victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Darnold, the quarterback who was likely to protect JJ McCarthy at some point during the year before the player was injured, staked his claim Sunday to win 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 down on an eight-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Jones. Minnesota led 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 cemented the biggest comeback of Darnold's career. Another 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 Brock Purdy's backup with the San Francisco 49ers last year and is on the verge of getting Minnesota back to the playoffs.
Minnesota quarterback Shaquil Griffin picked off Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to end the game.
Murray's pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. put Arizona up 19-6 with 4:37 left in the third quarter. Darnold responded with his own touchdown pass to Mundt on the next drive.
Murray was 31-of-45 with 260 passing yards, a touchdown pass and two interceptions. Another interception was thrown 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.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) catches a 15-yard touchdown pass over Minnesota Vikings tight end Fabian Moreau midway through 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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