The Minnesota Vikings are relying on Sam Darnold after J.J. McCarthy's season-ending injury.
WR Justin Jefferson expressed faith in his starting quarterback, though he may simply be trying to avoid sowing discord in the locker room. Darnold has struggled badly throughout his career, and it appears to be a fool's errand to hope he will turn his fortunes around in Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings ' plan at quarterback this season was always to use a bridge starter and progress with J.
J. McCarthy as their QB of the future. As they say, though, even the best laid plans go to waste.
McCarthy went down for the season with a meniscus tear , forcing that "bridge" quarterback into full-time starting duties this season. The team signed Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal in free agency, and the plan has been for him to be the Week 1 starter since that move became official. Now, though, the veteran journeyman is going to be handed the reins without any safety net (or competition, depending on your point of view) behind him on the depth chart.
For what it's worth, superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson expressed his confidence in Darnold , claiming that their rapport will only grow as they work together more: "A lot of people don’t understand that there’s a lot of things that go into a quarterback and a receiver’s connection than just sitting back there and just throwing the ball to a spot. ..
. I definitely feel confident going into Week One with Sam as our quarterback. I.