Sam Darnold stats today: New Vikings QB gets off to incredible start in Week 1 against Giants

The Minnesota Vikings went into the 2024 season with a lot of hype around their starting quarterback. The franchise had just drafted J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Minnesota signed Sam Darnold in free agency, but McCarthy was the heir apparent to Kirk Cousins, who left for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. The expectation was that Darnold would be the starter until McCarthy was ready, but the focus was purely on the rookie and his development.

McCarthy tore his ACL in the preseason and was ruled out for the season. At that point, the decision about Darnold was no longer up in the air, and it was decided that Darnold would be the starter. Let's take a look at how his Minnesota debut is going as the Vikings take on the Giants in Week 1.

Sam Darnold stats today

These stats will be updated throughout the Vikings vs. Giants Week 1 game.

It's worth noting that Darnold started the game with a perfect 12/12 passing. The Vikings won the game 28-6.

Sam Darnold highlights

Darnold hit Jalen Nailor for a nice 21-yard score in the third quarter.

While some may be a little wary of Darnold under center, the quarterback should get a boost in expectations because he still gets to pass to Justin Jefferson. This is a tandem to watch, and they got connected early.

Darnold struggled in his tenure with the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers, and served as the backup to Brock Purdy last season with the San Francisco 49ers. He may have learned from the accurate Purdy and put together an impressive drive early in Sunday's game.