NFL – Minnesota Vikings: Sam Darnold in top form

Sam Darnold limped across the lawn, stayed on his feet for a few more steps and collapsed to the ground. Another setback? The next – this time not just symbolic – fall in his career?

No, not again. Not after that start. Darnold got up on the sidelines, put on his helmet and entered the field to an ovation and the occasional shout of “MVP.”

He’s not done with this game. With this season. With this career.

A good 20 minutes later, Darnold and the Vikings celebrated their third win of the season in three games. After victories against the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers and now the Houston Texans, Minnesota is at the top of the NFC North.

And Darnold? The quarterback is currently taking advantage of his chance to become a starter with the Vikings. He has picked himself up and quickly developed into a beacon of hope in Minnesota.

Sam Darnold: Personal bests

In three games, Darnold has collected 657 passing yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions.

Never in his NFL career has he had a higher completion percentage (67.9 percent), more yards per pass (8.4) or a passer rating in the triple digits (this season: 117.3).

There is no question that Darnold is playing the best football of his career in this young season.

A month ago, the signs were still pointing to a backup role.

Sam Darnold: From backup to starter

In the offseason, Darnold signed a one-year contract with the Vikings. He was primarily intended as a backup and potential mentor for a rookie quarterback whom Minnesota selected in the draft a few months later: JJ McCarthy.

The season before, he was benched in San Francisco under Kyle Shanahan after turbulent years with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. He played well in his only stint with the 49ers and came to Minnesota with some endorsements from San Francisco, a year under quarterback whisperer Shanahan and less of a burden on his shoulders.

After McCarthy’s serious injury, 27-year-old head coach Kevin O’Connell named Darnold the starter.

Vikings provide good environment

As the new face of the Vikings, Darnold finds himself in almost perfect quarterback circumstances this season.

Head coach Brian Flores’ defense is playing excellently, Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system has many cogs meshing together, the running game is working, the offensive line is blocking strongly and the receivers are making plays for the quarterback.

Among other things, they have had a positive effect on Darnold. He seems calmer in the pocket, regularly finds a recipient for passes and has made major mistakes much less frequently. Fewer ups and downs, more consistency.

“I’m very proud of him. That was another very strong quarterback performance,” praised O’Connell after the recent success against the Texans.

Sam Darnold: A lot of ability and even more confidence

Darnold is thriving with his new confidence. “We’re just playing with confidence. I think that’s the most important thing. Because we have a great offense and a great system.

“I just have to do my homework and play well,” he said after the first win of the season against the Giants.

Maybe Darnold needed a little more time to mature. Maybe he needed something better. Maybe a real fresh start without high expectations. Maybe a mix of everything.

As we all know, grass doesn’t grow any faster if you pull on it. But Darnold is currently outgrowing himself.