Many Green Bay Packers fans probably felt the Minnesota Vikings got weaker when they lost Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons. Since their NFC North rivals have always been one of the tougher games in their schedule, to see them lose a solid QB in the offseason was supposed to be a sign that the team would be in a down year.
However, they (and the rest of the NFL) were surprised when Sam Darnold popped off in his first couple of games as the Vikings’ QB1. The former first-round pick has been playing especially well for Minnesota this season, making them one of the surprise packages in the NFL this season.
While Darnold is far from a lock at the QB1 position the same way Jordan Love is, he’s showing enough quality to make Packers fans worry about their team’s chances in Week 4. However, two analysts make similar claims that predict the former New York Jet will come crashing down to Earth at Lambeau Field.
Analysts think Sam Darnold will mess up vs. Green Bay Packers’ defense
The Leap’s Peter Bukowski explains that while he recognizes how strong the Packers are, he thinks that he’s not the caliber of QB you want starting every game for a franchise aiming for the Super Bowl:
I think the structure of what the Vikings are doing is sound. They’re good.
But I don’t believe Sam Darnold is going to settle in as a top-10 efficiency QB after being decidedly not that for three other teams, including a loaded 49ers team last year.
Regression is coming.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) September 26, 2024
ClutchPoints’ Shane Shoemaker agrees with Bukowski, explaining that the Packers pass defense are too good for him:
This Sunday, he’ll face a formidable Packers defense. Green Bay currently leads the league in interceptions with seven—two more than the Vikings—and also has one pick-six to their name.
Darnold was flawless in the Vikings’ first game but has since thrown an interception in each of the last two. The Packers will aim to make it three in a row.
Darnold has been phenomenal through three games this season, throwing for 659 yards, eight touchdowns, and two picks. While he’s been amazing through the first three weeks of the season, the Green Bay Packers will be eager to take him down a notch and grab the win.
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