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.

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.

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.