Sam Darnold haunts Panthers nightmares with masterclass vs. Texans

The Minnesota Vikings were dealt a major punch in the gut before the season even started, as rookie sensation J.J. McCarthy was ruled out immediately due to a serious knee injury. Sam Darnold was expected to play competent football, but he may be the best quarterback in the NFL through the first three weeks.

Darnold, who is trying to rehabilitate his career after starting roles with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, has thrown a league-leading seven touchdowns through three weeks. Darnold faced a Houston Texans defense many believed could be a Super Bowl contender, and he had them begging for mercy.

The Vikings put up 34 points in a game that was so non-competitive that C.J. Stroud was pulled in the fourth quarter to avoid further injury. While Brian Flores will get a lot of the credit, Darnold going 17-28 for 181 yards and four touchdown passes was the primary reason Minnesota won.

Darnold's touchdown passes not only reinvigorated the Vikings, but they have his two old fanbases wondering how it all went wrong. While the Jets seem to be fine after landing Aaron Rodgers (following years of struggling), a Panthers fanbase who just saw Bryce Young get benched has to be beside themselves.

Carolina Panthers fans in shambles after Week 3 performance by Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold

Darnold was making some awful throws in Carolina that would have stunk no matter what the situation was, but he also had to overcome an organization in flux with Matt Rhule coaching him and holes all over the roster. The same fate befell Baker Mayfield, who is still crushing it with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Darnold is in the best situation of his career in Minnesota. Having an offensive coach in Kevin O'Connell is one thing, but pairing it with the best wide receiver in the league in Justin Jefferson, a solid running game, and a masterful defense led by Brian Flores has the Vikings looking like a possible contender.

Now more than ever, fit and the surrounding parts around a quarterback play a huge factor in determining how successful they will be. While Darnold's raw talent has finally been given a proper chance to shine in Minnesota, the combination of O'Connell's offensive brilliance and the players in this offense has Darnold thriving.

Carolina, meanwhile, is turning to Andy Dalton for the sole reason of avoiding another season with the worst record in the league. Organizations matter.

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