It takes strong resolve from these young quarterbacks to persevere, and it, too, takes the right fit for them to finally make it. Darnold and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell appear to be a good fit. Having star receiver Justin Jefferson to throw to doesn’t hurt, either.

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

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

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.