Sam Darnold concerns grow during Vikings close win over Colts

Following his first four games of the 2024 season, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was named the NFC's Player of the Month for how well he performed. Since then, Darnold's performances haven't been as impressive, and that continued in Minnesota's win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Darnold threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns against the Colts, but he also turned the ball over three times. He fumbled once, which Indianapolis's defense returned for a touchdown, and he threw two interceptions, which brought his 2024 total to seven.

Darnold should be thankful that his three-turnover night came against a Colts team that couldn't do much of anything against the Vikings' defense. He should also be thankful that Minnesota rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is unable to play this season because the calls for the first-year passer to play would only be louder after Sunday.

Minnesota Vikings defense puts on a clinic in Week 9 win over Indianapolis Colts

As mentioned earlier, the Vikings were able to overcome Darnold's three turnovers on Sunday thanks to an elite performance by the team's defense.

During the win, Minnesota held the Colts to just 3-of-11 on third down, 68 rushing yards, and 158 passing yards while also sacking Indianapolis quarterback Joe Flacco three times and picking him off once.

The Colts were only able to generate a total of six points with their offense on Sunday, as the team's only touchdown of the matchup was scored by their defense.

If the Vikings defense can play how they did on Sunday for the rest of the 2024 season, then it won't it likely won't matter if Darnold turns the ball over three times.

But we already know Minnesota is going to be facing much tougher opponents in the future than they did in Week 9, so they need their quarterback to be a little more careful with the football moving forward.

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