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

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips gave his honest take on quarterback Sam Darnold amid the team's 2-0 start.

When the schedule is loaded with tough games at the start of the schedule, it sends a message to the team that it must be ready to compete hard as the season gets

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.

Sam Darnold had an electric start in his Minnesota debut. The veteran threw for 208 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a win against the New York Giants. Heading into Week 2, the 49ers

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.