Taking part in the Vikings for the previous six years meant getting ready to face Kirk Cousins. Not anymore.
For the primary time since 2018, there’s a new beginning quarterback sporting Vikings purple.
The Giants on Sunday get to see Sam Darnold in a distinct uniform in his first regular-season look for his new crew.
“Sam’s a great pal, and I’m at all times rooting for him, [but] not this week, however all through his profession,’’ Giants proper guard Greg Van Roten instructed The Put up. “I’m comfortable that he’s discovering success. I do know what it’s wish to sort of bounce round a bit bit. We’re pals, and I would like him to do nicely professionally, simply not week one towards us.’’
Van Roten and Darnold had been Jets teammates in 2020, Darnold’s third and ultimate season with the crew that made him the No. 3-overall choose within the 2018 draft.
Darnold went 2-10 in his 12 begins, with head coach Adam Gase fired after a 2-14 season.
“He was in a tricky scenario in New York,’’ Van Roten stated. “A few completely different coordinators, completely different coaches. Stability is essential within the NFL, continuity is essential and to not have that as a younger participant can stunt your development and growth.’’
Darnold moved to the Panthers, the place he went 8-9 in his begins in 2021 and 2022. He spent the 2023 season on the 49ers bench, studying however seldomly taking part in in Kyle Shanahan’s strong system.
“I believe it was good for him to be round Shanahan for a 12 months,’’ Van Roten stated, “and now he’s with one other actually good quarterback-friendly sort of coach in a system that’s been proven to achieve success if you happen to can run it that proper manner.’’
The Vikings chosen J.J. McCarthy out of Michigan with the No. 10 choose within the 2024 draft. McCarthy is misplaced for the season with a torn meniscus in his proper knee, and coach Kevin O’Connell has to show to Darnold, who at 27 will get one other shot to run an offense.
He’s 21-35 as a beginning quarterback.
The Giants confronted stud WR Justin Jefferson twice within the 2022 season.
He caught 12 passes for 133 yards and one landing in a Dec. 24 Vikings victory, and some weeks later was restricted to seven catches for 47 yards within the Giants’ NFC wild-card victory in Minneapolis.
CB Adoree’ Jackson was the defender totally on Jefferson in that postseason recreation, and he was re-signed final week.
The Vikings even have WR Jordan Addison, who had 10 landing receptions as a rookie in 2023, however will likely be with out Professional Bowl TE T.J. Hockenson, who led the Vikings final season with 90 catches.
He tore his ACL towards the Giants late final season and is on the bodily unable to carry out listing.
A key for the Giants: coping with RB Aaron Jones.
He surpassed 100 speeding yards in his ultimate 5 video games final season for the Packers, together with two playoff video games.
The Vikings gave him a one-year deal for $7 million to enhance on a speeding offense that was twenty ninth within the league final season.
Two linebackers, Carter Coughlin and Ty Summers, had been elevated from the follow squad, prone to fill particular groups roles within the recreation. LB Curtis Bolton was launched.
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