The Vikings have provided a platform unlike any Sam Darnold had before, and the former Jets draft pick is thriving.

After being run out of town by the Jets and their relentless fan base, Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he experienced more dysfunction. He finally found some stability with the San Francisco 49ers and signed with the Vikings this offseason largely because of the pieces already in place.

The play started with receiver Justin Jefferson in the backfield, and he later motioned into the flat. With the Giants focused on Jefferson, Darnold faked to him and then found Nailor wide open down the right sideline. In the second quarter, Darnold had thrown a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson on fourth down.

It might not look good now, but there is hope for a successful future. This is what the three rookie quarterbacks drafted in the first round — Chicago’s Caleb Williams, Washington’s Jayden Daniels and Denver’s Bo Nix — need to understand as they go through their predictable struggles.

The Houston Texans defense will see an unlikely opponent in Sam Darnold when they face the Minnesota Vikings.Darnold is stepping in as the starter after No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury back in training camp.