Sam Darnold helps the Vikings to their 10th win of the season with a win over the Cardinals

Sam Darnold has emerged as the unlikely star of the 2024 season as the Minnesota Vikings clinched their third 10-win season in six years with a close win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Darnold, the rebounding quarterback who was likely JJ McCarthy’s backup at some point during the year before the rookie got hurt, made a case for the best player to beat for the Player of the Year award on Sunday.

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He led the Vikings on an eight-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass. Aaron Jones. Minnesota led 23-22 with 1:13 left in the game and won by the same score.

Darnold was 21 of 31 passing for 235 yards and two touchdowns. The pass to Jones sealed the biggest comeback of Darnold’s career. Johnny Munds passed for the other touchdown.

“There’s no place I’d rather be playing; I’m just so grateful to be a Viking,” the veteran linebacker told FOX’s Pam Oliver after the game.

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Darnold was Brock Purdy’s backup for the San Francisco 49ers last year and is on the verge of getting Minnesota back to the playoffs.

Minnesota cornerback Shaquille Griffin ended the matchup with Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.

Murray’s touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. put Arizona up 19-6 with 4:37 left in the third quarter. On the next drive, Darnold responded with a pass to Mundt.

Murray was 31 of 45 passing for 260 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. The other interception was thrown to Byron Murphy Jr.

Cardinals running back Trey McBride had 12 catches for 96 yards. Harrison had five catches for 60 yards.

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Minnesota is now 10-2 on the season. Arizona dropped to 6-6.

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