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 stated, “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 file 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 in opposition to the Jaguars occurred ultimately zone. Had been it not for 4 area 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 crew in NFL historical past to win a recreation during which they dedicated at the very least 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.
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“Not one,” he stated. “Not one all day lengthy. In reality, I used to be it as an incredible alternative to see progress and proceed to maneuver the crew. We’ll examine again on this second and use it the fitting approach, and Sam goes to be higher off for it. I actually do imagine that.”
O’Connell supplied a extra succinct model of that message to gamers and coaches within the locker room. In response to a video the Vikings posted on social media, O’Connell checked out Darnold and stated: “Sam, everyone 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 strategy opened up lanes for the Vikings’ operating 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 once they’re taking part in shell protection,” Darnold stated, “or they’re taking part in no matter kind of shell man they wish to play. I’ve simply obtained to proceed to remain affected person and take what they provide me.”
“I’ve obtained to do loads higher job taking good care of 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 having the ability to put the ball in play and let our guys go run with it. I believed I ought to have executed loads higher job of that as we speak, however we’ll simply have a look at the tape and be taught from it that approach.”
Operating again Aaron Jones was among the many gamers who expressed help for Darnold as effectively.
“He knew we had been behind him it doesn’t matter what,” Jones stated. “He could have video games like this, however that is not indicative of who he’s.”
