After being selected as the top pick in this year’s NFL Draft, former USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams has been a hot topic in the NFL. However, like many rookie QBs, Williams has faced some early challenges in his NFL journey.
Meanwhile, another former USC quarterback has been making waves through the first three games of the season.
Sam Darnold, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings during the offseason, stepped into the starting role after first-round pick JJ McCarthy was placed on season-ending IR.
And it seems like Darnold has no intention of giving the job back.
With Darnold at the helm, the Vikings are now 3-0 after a dominant win over the previously undefeated Houston Texans, thanks to Darnold’s four touchdown passes.
Not only does he lead the league in touchdown passes, but he’s also firmly in the MVP discussion.
Former USC Trojans QB Sam Darnold Is Balling Out
BTW.
Sam Darnold is the MVP favorite.
The Minnesota Vikings are the best team in ball.Just what you expected headed into week 4.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 22, 2024
After an impressive career with the USC Trojans, Sam Darnold was selected 3rd overall by the New York Jets but struggled to find success in the NFL. Despite his obvious talent and elite arm, Darnold consistently found himself in challenging environments with unstable franchises and poor coaching situations.
Now, however, he’s landed in a much more stable organization with the Minnesota Vikings, under the guidance of one of the brightest young coaches in the league, Kevin O’Connell, the former offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
Sam Darnold passing touchdowns:
2020: 9
2021: 9
2022: 7
2023: 2
…
Weeks 1-3, 2024: 8— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) September 22, 2024
At just 27 years old, Sam Darnold still has plenty of football ahead of him. While it’s still early in the season, all signs point to him solidifying his place as a starting quarterback in the league for the foreseeable future—whether that’s with the Vikings or elsewhere.
