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

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.

Sam Darnold's journey in the NFL has been anything but smooth. After dealing with ups and downs with both the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers before taking a backup role in San Francisco, Darnold has taken center stage with the Minnesota Vikings.

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

Between last season as a backup with the 49ers and this offseason under Kevin O’Connell, Darnold has polished his footwork and showed he could throw in rhythm with O’Connell’s scheme last week.

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 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.