Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson thinks last season would have been a lot different if Sam Darnold had been the quarterback. The Vikings finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs. Friday, the The Vikings have fired former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
“Everyone knows how difficult the quarterback position was this year and how we handled it,” Jefferson said. Prince Grimes from USA Today. “But having a quarterback that already had a season under his belt with us, knew the plays, knew the playbook, knew the players, throwing at me, Jordan Addison, TJ Hockenson, all those guys, I really feel like we would have done better. But it is what it is, it’s on to newer and better things. But I’m really happy and proud of him that he’s able to accomplish that goal this year.”
In 2024, Darnold finished with career highs of 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions. Darnold helped lead the Vikings to a 14-3 season before their Wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
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After the season, Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks forr 3 years, $100.5 million and Vikings backup quarterback Daniel Jones signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts. The Vikings have decided to start the season with JJ McCarthy, who is on the team traded and drafted with the No. 10 overall pick in 2024and who was recovering from a torn meniscus it cost him his rookie season.
McCarthy has missed time this season with a hand injury, a ankle sprain and a concussion. In his absence, the Vikings started Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer at different points during the season. McCarthy finished his sophomore year throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Jefferson struggled with instability at the quarterback position last season. Jefferson finished with 84 catches and a career-low 1,048 yards and 2 touchdowns. With Darnold at quarterback in 2024, Jefferson caught 103 passes for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns.
In his first year with the Seahawks, Sam Darnold totaled 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Although he leads the NFL in turnovers this season, Darnold saved his best performance for last, throwing for 346 yards, 3 touchdowns and no turnovers, helping Seattle advance to its first Super Bowl since 2015. Jones also led the Colts to an 8-3 start before tear his Achilles during week 13.
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Although Jefferson is happy for Darnold, he reflects on what could have been.
“It’s really tough. It’s tough to watch,” Jefferson said. “I love that he’s in the Super Bowl. I’m happy for him, I only want the best for him, especially the way his journey went at the beginning, people doubted him and people didn’t give him respect. Now they give him respect. Now they see he’s a top quarterback in this league. Of course, selfishly, I wish he would have done that for us last year, but to see him to thrive and bounce back right after last year and do well this year, I’m happy for him and I hope he wins I support Seattle and I think Seattle will win, I will support him.
