Sam Darnold The Minnesota Vikings are the unlikely star of the 2024 season with their third 10-win season in six years with a close win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Darnold, a castoff quarterback who was likely to be the backup to JJ McCarthy at one point in the year before the rookie got hurt, staked his case as the man to beat for Comeback Player of the Year on Sunday.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
He led the Vikings down the field on an eight-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass. Aaron Jones. Minnesota led 23-22 with 1:13 to play and won by the same score.
Darnold is 21-31 with 235 passing yards and two touchdown passes. The pass to Jones solidified the biggest comeback of Darnold’s career. Another touchdown pass went to Johnny Mundt.
“There’s no other place I’d rather be playing; very grateful to be a Viking,” the veteran quarterback told Fox’s Pam Oliver after the game.
Texans’ Aziz Al-Shair under scrutiny over Trevor Lawrence hit, pro-Palestinian cleats
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half. (AP Photo/Abby Parr)
Darnold was Brock Purdy’s backup last year with the San Francisco 49ers and is on the verge of getting Minnesota back to the playoffs.
Minnesota cornerback Shaquille Griffin hit Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to end the game.
Murray’s touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. with 4:37 left in the third quarter put Arizona up 19-6. Darnold answered Mundt on the next drive with a touchdown pass of his own.
Murray was 31-45 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 cornerback Fabian Moreau during the second half. (AP Photo/Abby Parr)
Click here to get the Fox News app
Minnesota now 10-2 on the season. Arizona falls to 6-6.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage in X And subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
