### Vikings Thriving Under Sam Darnold, Echoes of 2017 Success

The Minnesota Vikings are experiencing a resurgence with Sam Darnold at the helm, reminiscent of their successful 2017 season with Case Keenum. This season, the team has thrived under Darnold’s leadership, drawing parallels to their past success despite the different circumstances surrounding their current and former quarterbacks.

Earlier in the year, speculation swirled when the Vikings transitioned away from Kirk Cousins, installing Sam Darnold as the starting quarterback for the season. Despite rookie J.J. McCarthy being sidelined for the entirety of 2024, fans like @ripshot44 on social media predicted a notable season, even comparing it to Keenum’s breakout year.

So far, Darnold has delivered, leading the NFL with 11 touchdown passes, three more than any other quarterback in the league. His performance has consistently reminded fans and analysts of Case Keenum's unexpected success in 2017 when the Vikings finished the regular season with a 13-3 record.

Although Keenum emerged as a feel-good story seven years ago after being undervalued as an undrafted free agent, Darnold's journey has been more high-profile. Drafted as the No. 3 overall pick, Darnold has had multiple opportunities to prove his worth. In contrast to Keenum, who was forced into the starting role due to injuries, Darnold was positioned as a potential one-year placeholder following Cousins' departure, knowing McCarthy was out.

Under head coach Kevin O'Connell, Darnold has earned significant trust, evidenced by the team's aggressive play-calling in critical moments, such as their recent victory over the Packers. His performance this year places him third in ESPN's Total QBR metric with a 73.6 rating, closely trailing Keenum's 2017 performance, which concluded with a 73.3 rating.

Despite the successes, there remains a sense of cautious optimism among Vikings fans. While they savor the wins, there is an underlying wariness regarding potential pitfalls in the playoffs, a sentiment rooted in previous experiences.

As the Vikings look ahead, fans and analysts alike recall the lessons of 2017—cherishing the ride for as long as it lasts. Darnold's future with the Vikings may be uncertain, with McCarthy likely stepping in by 2025, but for now, he has the team off to an undefeated 4-0 start. Whether history repeats itself or takes a new turn, the excitement surrounding Darnold's performance keeps Vikings fans eagerly engaged.