NFL World Reacts to Sam Darnold's Vikings Debut

[{"selector":"#anim-b8bae941-1993-431d-a0e5-782212ff8e2e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-39.76332705856509%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] All offseason, the Minnesota Vikings were written off due to their quarterback predicament.

[{"selector":"#anim-b523c25a-33c6-414b-be4a-192dd38a3a1a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.26831043321183%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Veteran Sam Darnold has failed in previous NFL stops. He maximized his best opportunity Sunday against the New York Giants.

[{"selector":"#anim-dbbf25ab-78e0-45e3-8abe-97247f69644d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-27.355238937315907%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Sam Darnold started his first Vikings game completing 12-for-12 passing

[{"selector":"#anim-0a5351ef-8eea-48aa-a33c-8a83f9e748bc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.19203737480389%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] He helped Kevin O'Connell's club beat the Giants 28-6. Brian Flores' defense was also impressive.

[{"selector":"#anim-b9fc7ed6-6db3-45f1-b1ff-d6014ab478b5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.514648210040342%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] After the contest, other narratives emerged, but Darnold garnered the most attention. ESPN's Bill Barnwell labeled Darnold a surprise and underlined his Week 1 hot start.

[{"selector":"#anim-f9b27a97-2790-4ba0-83ae-2284427627b2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.179687404002955%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Barnwell wasn't alone in his initial view of Darnold.

[{"selector":"#anim-aa60842f-537e-4f8d-801c-5571e191e79c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.26831043321183%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Naturally, teammate J.J. McCarthy was amazed by the veteran cooking. Pro Football Focus rated Darnold the week's best passer.

[{"selector":"#anim-fd59cd38-a046-4cf4-a007-5b260e5bef6c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.179687404002955%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The New York Post branded Darnold a “ex-Jets bust” and considered his performance against them his best. CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin named Darnold a weekly winner.