JJ McCarthy‘s rookie season ended before it could even begin due to a torn Meniscus. Just when the Skol Nation was mellow over a fallen Viking, up stepped Sam Darnold. What he did out there on the gridiron against the Giants on Sunday in week 1 was, he simply shushed the critics questioning if he’s right to be the QB1 Minnesota wants. Now, this NFL analyst summed up his performance. Speaking on ESPN NFL Live, on September 11th, Dan Orlovsky was decoding Sam Darnold’s masterful season-opener.

According to Dan, the QB did a “fantastic job in week 1, of marrying his feet with a past concept.” In other words, he appreciated Sam for bringing back a ‘lost art’ back to life. So, what was this ghost of the past that Dan was referencing? Well, the concept of quick-release. It actually involves a couple of interesting motions. Taking backward steps to move away from the huddle, and then comes ‘hitching’. For those of you beginning to fall in love with the game, “hitch” refers to a small, quick step forward in the pocket after the QB finishes their dropback. This movement helps the quarterback set their feet, align their body, and generate power for a throw. And boy, was Sam showing a masterclass in that.

What was Darnold’s precision/release timing over a 12-yard throw? 2.6 seconds. “Watch his feet. 1, 2, 3,4, 5 one hitch. The ball has to come out,” Dan gave his analytical commentary on the play. Sam’s timing over a 16-yard throw? 3.4 seconds. “1,2,3 hitch, hitch. The ball comes out.” And indeed, it was too quick for comfort for any defense. But there’s a reason for this discussion to start in the first place. “Sam struggled with this [passing and quick release] in Carolina,” Dan noted, so, what about his passing?

Well, take his two seasons with the Panthers that the analyst mentioned. He only started in 17 games and completed just 59.5% of his passes there. A passing rate like from your signal-caller could cost you games, forget about championships. No wonder Sam’s career record stands at an abysmal 29-38. However, the 2024 week 1 appeared just in time for him. The Vikes’ number 14 threw 19/24 over 208 yards with a completion rate of 79.1 for 2 TDs and an interception. All down to the movement? Maybe. If we go by Dan’s analysis. However, if his past results are to go by anything, then it’d be wise not to get high over heels with this performance.

Sam Darnold’s bout with consistency!

Sure, there are plenty of reasons why Sam Darnold is the talk of the town—he did earn the highest QB grade of the week from PFF, after all. But with the 27-year-old, you know he’s always had the talent to pull off performances like this. But it’s the consistency—or lack thereof—that’s been the cry for concern. In his NFL debut with the Jets in 2018, Sam Darnold showed promise on Monday Night Football, facing the Lions. He went 16-of-21 for 198 yards, threw two touchdowns, and tossed in an interception for good measure. It was almost a mirror of his Vikings debut, showing he’s still capable of putting up a solid stat line when the lights are bright.

Fast forward a few years, and Darnold’s inconsistency became the narrative. Despite flashes of brilliance like his Offensive Player of the Week performance against the Cowboys in 2019, he was replaced by Zach Wilson in 2021. A brief stint with the Panthers started strong at 3-0, but he eventually slid down the depth chart, losing out to P.J. Walker and even Cam Newton. By 2022, Darnold found himself behind Baker Mayfield but still managed an impressive passer rating of 105.4 with seven touchdowns over five games.

Good games? Darnold’s got plenty. Good seasons? That’s the elusive prize; after another solid showing, Darnold acknowledged, “It’s always great to get a win… But we’re not satisfied.” Will a fresh start in Minnesota, equipped with better weapons and coaching, finally allow him to break the cycle? That’s the million-dollar question.