NFL Names NFC Offensive Player of the Month

The 2024 NFL season is moving on to Oct. after four weeks of play. It's been a roller coaster ride for several teams in the league while others have prospered early.

Nearly every team has already suffered a loss, except for the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings. Both franchises are 4-0 entering Week 5, as they've each looked fantastic to begin the season.

However, Vikings' quarterback Sam Darnold is having quite the year so far. Despite his early career struggles, the 27-year-old quarterback seems to have finally found a groove in Minnesota.

Through four games, Darnold has thrown for 932 yards, 11 touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 68.9 completion percentage. His efforts in Sept. earned him the NFC Offensive Player of the Month.

Darnold, who was the No. 3 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, struggled early on in his career. To the point where many believed he would become a career backup. Instead, he's thriving in Minnesota and looks like the top prospect quarterback during his days playing for the USC Trojans.

Additionally, the Vikings were essentially forced to start Darnold this year after first round rookie quarterback, JJ McCarthy, suffered a season-ending right knee injury. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has seemingly gotten the best out of the veteran quarterback.

Darnold has played for four teams in just seven years throughout his career. The Jets originally traded him and a 2021 sixth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers after three seasons for a second and fourth round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Carolina believed Darnold had the potential of being a franchise quarterback. However, things went south quickly and after two seasons, the veteran quarterback signed a one-year $4.5 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He served as Brock Purdy's backup during his one year stint with the organization.

After six full years of highs and lows, Darnold signed with the Vikings on a one-year $10 million deal. Minnesota was wanting to ease McCarthy into the starting role and viewed Darnold as a solid bridge quarterback until the rookie was ready.

However, Darnold is playing at an incredibly high level to begin the season. He's very much deserving of the NFC Offensive Player of the Month award for his efforts in Sept.

We'll see if the Vikings quarterback can maintain his impressive play in Oct. Minnesota takes on the Jets in Week 5. It's a potential revenge game for Darnold, however, it won't be an easy matchup. New York has the No. 2 passing defense in the league.

Related: Sam Darnold Has Harsh Critique of His Time With The New York Jets