4 ways the Minnesota Vikings can make Sam Darnold’s life hell in Week 6
By Dean Jones
Take away Moore’s threat
One thing is apparent when putting on the tape.7
Sam Darnold is almost constantly looking to find stud wide receiver D.J. Moore whenever possible and when the player isn’t open, problems arise.
Moore has been nothing short of sensational to start the season. The former first-round pick seems to be making the step from good wideout to elite judging by his production so far, with his improved chemistry with Darnold something the Minnesota Vikings should take seriously.
The Maryland product found things difficult last weekend as Darnold failed to go through his progressions quickly in front of porous protection. Something he’ll look to put right in Week 6.
If the Vikings want to limit Darnold’s influence, then taking away his most reliable passing option should be one of their top priorities.
This task will primarily fall on the shoulders of Patrick Peterson, who isn’t the force of old but could still make things uncomfortable for Moore providing Minnesota’s defensive front is causing havoc at the line of scrimmage.
Moore is a supremely gifted player. Darnold makes no secret of his desire to get him the football early and often, so there could be an opportunity for Peterson and others to jump routes and create turnovers in the process.