Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold wins prestigious award from Pro Football Writers of America after amazing season
The Minnesota Vikings' 2024 season was remarkable for many reasons. They finished 14-3, head coach Kevin O'Connell earned the first of many Coach of the Year awards, and multiple players have received All-Pro and Pro Bowl nominations. The latest recognition the Vikings have received goes to quarterback Sam Darnold, as he was named the Most […]
The Minnesota Vikings' 2024 season was remarkable for many reasons. They finished 14-3, head coach Kevin O'Connell earned the first of many Coach of the Year awards, and multiple players have received All-Pro and Pro Bowl nominations.
The latest recognition the Vikings have received goes to quarterback Sam Darnold, as he was named the Most Improved Player by the Pro Football Writers of America.
Sam Darnold wins Most Improved Player by PWFA
Darnold was incredible for the Vikings this season. After signing a one-year, $10 million contract in March, Darnold took the Vikings offense to new heights and the NFL world by storm with his incredible performances week after week.
Darnold didn't just throw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, he became the first quarterback since Daunte Culpepper did so three times in 2004 to throw for five touchdowns and even entered the Most Valuable Player conversation during the season.
It's easy to see why Darnold was voted most improved. He set career highs in multiple categories in 2024:
- Completions: 361
- Attempts: 545
- Yards: 4,319
- Touchdowns: 35
- Success Rate: 47.7%
- Long: 97
- Adjusted Yards/Attempt: 8.22
- Quarterback rating: 102.5
- QBR: 60.4
- Fourth Quarter Comebacks: 3
- Game Winning Drives: 5
Darnold's play took a major step forward because of how O'Connell approached the offense with him. Darnold likes to attack down the field and chase shot plays. Luckily for him, that's exactly how O'Connell likes to run his offense.
The kindred spirits thrived together and they were excellent in attacking defenses vertically. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison both thrived in beating defenses and it led the Vikings to five and nine-game winning streaks.
The future of Darnold is currently up in the air, but it's pretty simple right now. If they want him, they will keep him. Ultimately, money is going to be the biggest factor, especially with J.J. McCarthy in line to take over.
No matter what happens with the 2025 season, Darnold's 2024 will never be taken from the Vikings.
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