NFL Fans Bewildered by Vikings QB Sam Darnold in Season-Opener

The Minnesota Vikings entered a new era after walking away from Kirk Cousins at quarterback. They went ahead and used a first-round pick on former Michigan Wolverines quarterback JJ McCarthy, as he's now the future of the franchise.

Unfortunately, McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus, promptly ending his rookie season. So, the Vikings were forced to name veteran quarterback Sam Darnold the starter this year.

Darnold has become a journeyman in the NFL. After being selected as a third overall pick of the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold eventually lost the job as he couldn't maintain consistency under center.

After a two-year stint with the Carolina Panthers and playing as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers last season, he was given a new chance with the Vikings. And he's looking like an absolute stud in his debut game for Minnesota.

Through the first half, Darnold has recorded an impressive stat line, throwing 13-14 for 151 yards and a touchdown. He's out there throwing darts on Sunday, looking like the highly touted prospect he was back in 2018 when he entered the league.

His efficiency is turning heads, as NFL fans simply can't believe their eyes. Considering Darnold's career has been shaky throughout, the sports world is bewildered to see him balling out for the Vikings.

"I've lost my mind! What a hell of a first game start," exclaimed one fan .

This fan believes the talent around Darnold is leading to big things after stating, "Sam Darnold ain’t have this much talent around him like this since he been at USC. Let him cook lol."

One Minnesota fan believes it might be too good to be true after claiming, "Vikings doing all this just to break my heart. I’ve seen this movie before. Sam Darnold looks very good so far."

"When Sam Darnold who hasn’t won a game in 20 years picks you apart you know it’s gonna be a looong season," said a sad Giants fan .

Justin Jefferson makes a world of difference according to this NFL supporter, "Maybe Sam Darnold is good he just needed a WR1 lmao."

This is the first time since 2021 that Darnold was named a starting quarterback. His previous stints with the Jets and Panthers were less than impressive. However, when he stepped in as a backup for the 49ers last season, many believed he played well.

Heading into the 2024 season, the 27-year-old quarterback had accumulated 12,064 passing yards, 63 touchdowns, 56 interceptions, and a 59.7 completion percentage through six years in the NFL.

Related: Vikings head coach shows off his humorous side during interview with Barstool Sports