The Sam Darnold renaissance tour is in full effect for the Minnesota Vikings. Just one week after Darnold proved he can operate Kevin O'Connell's offense to perfection in a win against the New York Giants, Darnold set his sights on the San Francisco 49ers, with whom he spent last season as a backup.
While the mighty 49ers were missing Christian McCaffrey due to his Achilles and calf injuries, the Vikings still had the best wide receiver in the game in Justin Jefferson ready to go. It didn't take the Vikings long to introduce the $35 million man, as he pulled off what will likely be the longest play from scrimmage in the 2024 season.
Darnold and Jefferson connected on a beautiful 97-yard touchdown that put the Vikings up 10-0 in the first half. After some responses from San Francisco, a Darnold throw to Jalen Nailor helped extend the Vikings' advantage. Paul Allen could barely contain his excitement behind the mic.
Allen, with his trademark enthusiasm, punctuated the long touchdown pass with a call that is sure to get every Vikings fan in the country's blood pumping. Playing like this against San Francisco shows this team can compete with just about anyone in the league.
#KFANVikes #Vikings @iHeartRadio
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) September 15, 2024
LISTEN: https://t.co/dWVGWEsn62 https://t.co/jfwibCTKuG pic.twitter.com/Mighrfvsjv
Paul Allen has awesome call of 97-yard TD by Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson
Jefferson hasn't let the loss of Kirk Cousins in free agency or J.J. McCarthy as a result of his injury impact his play at all. Jefferson found the end zone early against the Giants in a Week 1 victory that got out of hand fast, and he's stayed hot against a suspect San Francisco secondary.
With both Darnold and Brock Purdy throwing wild interceptions alongside some huge chunk plays, it was certainly a back-and-forth affair. However, Minnesota had the edge, as their superstar player was making plays while McCaffrey watched from the sidelines.
Jefferson and the Vikings' offense appear to have not missed a beat. If they can keep this level of offensive explosiveness up for the remainder of the season, Allen may have some more memorable postseason calls to add to the catalog.