Dan Orlovsky and I are ADDICTED to thinking Sam Darnold can be a good quarterback 😅 | First Take

[@robe2504]

Folks forget that when Darnold last started in 2022 he took over a depleted Panthers roster, after Baker started the season 1-6, with CMC before was traded, and Sam went 4-2 nearly getting them to the playoffs. One of those wins was against a surging Lions team that finished that season 8-1. Sam was that one loss, and that game was over at the 3/4, when the score was about 34-7, just like vs the Giants. Brady and Evans had to execute a record breaking 2nd half comeback in Tampa to keep Sam & the Panthers out of the playoffs. That season Sam was as accurate as Cousins, throwing 77.1% of is throws on target vs 76.5% for Cousins (per PFR). Cousins went 13-4 with an inferior Vikes roster, and Ed Donatell. as DC. Sleep on Darnold and the Vikes if you like, but in week 1 we saw the difference between Darnold with KOC on the road against a bottom 10 team, and Cousins without KOC at home against a team that doesn't really have a QB1.

[@tomvan6008]

Stephen A has never liked Minny so no surprise. Sam's arm talent has never been questioned. His long ball is much better than Cousins. He dropped that bomb right on target to Jefferson. Threw a dart to JJ for a touchdown. There is a world of difference between the Jet's coaching, Carolina's coaching, and Minnys and San Fransico's offenses. Kyle S. loves him and stated the arm talent is there, he just needs to be on a team like Kyles or Kevin O. Yes, it's early but I see no reason why he can't continue. I trust Mina's analysis over Steven A. any day. Once these talking heads have decided you are not good, it's hard to get back in the conversation you are good unless you're Joe Burrow, Lamar, etc. Then the excuses come out for them in spades. When Minny does win it's always about how the other team was bad that day. This doesn't just apply to the Vikings. If the Vikings win Sunday, San Fran just had a bad day or something of that nature. What is wrong with San Fran and off they go on that subject. San Fran should be predicted to win the game as they are good and deserve that but that doesn't mean they can't be beat.

[@iiRolltide]

Pretty sure if he didn’t like her she wouldn’t be on first take. But idk maybe your right

[@Cousins08]

​@@iiRolltideMinny = Minnesota (not Mina 🤦🏿‍♂️)

[@iiRolltide]

@@Cousins08 ohhh lol I thought it was a mis type 😂 my bad

[@MichaelRucker-ns5po]

Stephen A is a known Vikings hater fr fr

[@jaredpribyl]

He doesn’t know football either. Vikings could easily make the playoffs, a lot of talent

[@franknorth164]

Dan Orlovsky can teach more about football to a Pop Warner team in 5 minutes than Stephen A has accumulated in his entire life.......

[@stephennichols2796]

Stephen A is an ignoramus blowhard who regurgitates conventional wisdom with enough attitude to make him an appealing tv personality to some people. Personally I don't see the appeal at all.

[@accreditedcardcollective1587]

As a Vikings fan, I can tell you very few people from the national media saw the potential. Mina, Dan, and Kyle Brandt saw that potential and weren't afraid to speak up, even amongst their national media peers. Much Respect.

[@Xconn67]

As Jet fan I never wanted to get rid of him , he came too early bad situation w jets , I loved that he really wanted stay , he loved playing for jets , wanted to stay and compete for job with Wilson

[@MichaelRucker-ns5po]

In all seriousness Minnesota is a really good football team. Sam Darnold is talented and has been in dog shit situations. I actually believe Darnold can be legit with KOC. And the Brian Flores defense is underrated

[@jdicke1017]

Play the clip on repeat about how 'Bosa and crew and gonna let it happen'. LOL.

[@winthorpetrois]

They DID let it happen.

[@ULuvBobs_92]

As a jets fan I will never forgive the jets for royally screwing up his development and then pivoting to Zach Wilson who’s a top 5 bust of all time. Sam is a little bit careless with the interceptions at times but other than that he’s an NFL QB in terms of size, pocket presence, has a good arm, and has some nice mobility. I wish Sam the best because he deserves this chance.

[@oel734]

The worst part about the Zach Wilson disaster is that the very same weapons they provided him COULD HAVE HELPED Darnold if they stuck with him. Jets are always a day late and a dollar short. They improve their team finally but only AFTER Darnold is given the boot. F*CK JOE DOUGLAS!!! What he did to Sam was criminal.

[@Greenlights111]

As a Vikings fan, there’s team more honorable to face in the superbowl than the Jets. I wish you well too! Skol!

[@maristoldboys5466]

Jets fan here too. Sam was tough to watch at times but still, the Jets gave up on him way too early didn't build the team around him and saddled him with an idiotic HC in gaping Gase. He's a better qb and leader than Zach Wilson the Milfhunter.

[@ULuvBobs_92]

@@maristoldboys5466 Definitely! I said coming out that turnovers were the biggest concern with Darnold but I think a competent organization could’ve developed Darnold into a starting caliber QB. Wilson has a better arm and he’s a bit more athletic but he just never looked comfortable. Darnold before he realized his oline was trash and he had nobody to throw to, at least looked the part of an NFL QB. Wilson just doesn’t have the traits needed to be consistent as an NFL QB.

[@ant2official221]

Mina has the best takes on ESPN

[@jokerman2681]

Agreed. I enjoy all of her ESPN appearances

[@RKatout]

Bar none. A smart GM should hire her

[@ndmaynard227]

The queen of NFL takes

[@DatDamnLlama]

What's Steven A have to say today?

[@Lizardman-fk5vp]

He doesn't like Darnold bc he's white

[@dannydinh3244]

Nada as always. Useless foo

[@JuliaSamoylenko]

You know what’s also contagious? WINNING. If everyone around you are stars, you’ll become that TOO. It goes both ways, Stephen A

[@martymcfly7473]

FACTS!!!

[@nottl1]

Wow Dan Orlovsky doing some real analysis. Meanwhile, Stephen A. just rolls his eyes. Lmao

[@scottfors1450]

I agree about Darnold.I think they will extend Sam for at least one more year.

[@TTRoachy]

Dan was right

[@scottfors1450]

What’s Stephan saying now?

[@robe2504]

A few people might be rethinking this if the Vikes beat the 49ers again this week, like they did last season, the ONLY NFC team that beat the 49ers on their merits last season.

[@DanielOrtiz-hv9qw]

O'Connell knows that defense. Had Cousins looking like a top 8 QB. Darnold will be fine.

[@robe2504]

@@DanielOrtiz-hv9qw Don't worry, I'm a huge Darnold apologist. I'm more worried about Addison being out, but I think KOC will scheme guys like Nailor and Oliver open. I think the Flores defence will dominate though, and finally start to get the appropriate recognition from the national media.

[@calebyax6959]

@@robe2504and we had absolutely no run game. Aaron Jones is huge for our offense and I think he’ll be the difference maker on offense Sunday

[@paulthird3942]

​​@@robe2504They also beat the 49ers after the Browns & before the Bengals. They were in a form slump, with injuries. This game could also prove last year was a fluke and the Vikings were never in the same class as the NFC Champions.

[@robe2504]

@@DanielOrtiz-hv9qw I agree. I wonder who KOC will scheme open this week. Nailor? Trishton? Sherfield?

[@Benjamin-fc9ww]

This is the most honest title I’ve read coming from ESPN lol

[@aflcardcollector3962]

Sam Darnold! 💪😤🔥

[@stangathright8903]

As a Panthers fan very much wish he was still here. Pulling for him

[@joerazz91]

It doesn’t get talked about enough how good Mina looks…

[@Jp-do9ny]

Go touch some grass 😂😂 see better looking women than her every day

[@jovonttebolden8653]

Fact and she be talking her shit ❤

[@morgand1]

Absolutely gorgeous, and she loves football!! If she isn't wife material, idk who is.

[@r.p.9021]

This aged well. SKOL!

[@ItspronouncedAaron]

Hey Stephen A - How does that crow taste?

[@yengvang8737]

I said this last year, if Darnold was Rodger's backup and not Zach Wilson, the Jets are a wild card playoff team.

[@tunabiscuit6119]

Your take looks really good now!!

[@michealblake2253]

SAS used to be Sam guy what happened? He knew he had Adam gase 😂

[@starwalk3r]

"Hope" is both humanity's greatest weakness and its greatest strength.

[@solomonjames9627]

Well this segment didnt age well

[@davidnelson6874]

Sam Darnold is going to win CPOY, MVP, and Super Bowl MVP. Other than that I think he’ll have a nice season.

[@robe2504]

Not eligible for CPOY under the new rules.

[@scruffd0g193]

@@robe2504I was just about to say that. Yep. Last 2 winners came back from not even being hurt.

[@BLACKICONOCLAST]

I WOULD PREFER TO HEAR MINA KIMES OVER STEPHEN A SMITH. SHE MAKES BETTER POINTS THAN "FLAVA FLAV" AKA STEPHEN A SMITH

[@Memphizm]

Sam Darnold had one of the most awe inspiring bowl games I've ever seen from a pure throwing standpoint. He's definitely extremely gifted and I was definitely surprised he wasn't great out the gate. Make the playoffs but take it easy on my Niners this Sunday lol.

[@weedasaurusrex]

Steven As immediate reaction was pretty effing funny😂😂

[@kevinkarsnia109]

I agree with Mina that the Vikings may not prove it this week because the Niners are elite. The Vikings did beat them last year but different teams. No Debo and Williams last year and no Jefferson last year for MN. No CMC this year and Hock, Kirk, and Addison for Vikes.

[@Lexyboogie]

SAS got completely outclassed in this segment and I think he knows it

[@theslapppfactory]

This is why you don’t listen to Stephen A Smith, when it comes to football!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@aaronkirschner7741]

Steven , good call on the 49er's

[@nicpayne8258]

Mina understood the assignment for Samuel Darnold. Just like Baker. Just like Herbert. Too many different offenses. Too many coordinators. Too many coaches. MAYBE…..he found a home in Minnesota!! 🤔

[@asceticblur]

Stephen A. Smith dead wrong again.

[@mgtow-balance3409]

lmfao stephen a almost had whiplash when he heard that

[@BuschLatte]

Vikings need to do more rollout and play action calls with the mobility of Sam D. And the 49ers defense.

[@cryptocomedy9327]

What happened SAS? Take this guy off TV

[@chutraiheo]

Mina might restart her secret Sam fan club again. Keep up that smiles!

[@johnboerger7029]

Steven A: “contamination, it’s in the dictionary should I spell it out for ya?” Then immediately after: “sitsation” 🙄

[@robe2504]

Steven A's homework - review the difference between analysis and opinion.

[@ShootsQuick]

I'm ready for Stephen A to apologize for his terrible analysis of Sam Darnold and Vikings potential. He clearly wasn't ready for this discussion.

[@nickbusker725]

Well. He beat Nick Bosa and the crew…

[@emmanuelporte4201]

It's about how they win and how they lose. If Darnold can at least get downfield and make the game close, you can't deny him. The 49ers beat a lot of good teams and made it to the Super Bowl last year, they also got destroyed by the ravens. The expectation from the Vikings is winning, but I feel like for people who really support him it's not about winning but how they fare against them. It would be a good litmus test to see how truly clicked they are at week 2. If they do very well and still, then they could be phenomenal by week 7.

[@robe2504]

The only NFC team that Purdy has lost to is the Vikes, now 0-2. Purdy was sacked 5 times vs the Ravens. Sam came on and immediately finished the drive with a TD, and marched straight up the field in is only other drive that ended up in an end zone INT with time up

[@romain8390]

It’s always a weird dynamic to have Dan Orlovsky on this show because he has a guy whose main value is talking schematics and his own experience and actual knowledge of the intricacies of the game, while pretty much everyone on the show is pretty much there to make a scene with their personality, not to say they don’t have knowledge of the game, especially Shannon, but Dan doesn’t vibe with these guys because he is more schematics than he is “personality”

[@meyou-dv8ns]

lol. yup, Hey Steve A Smith can you spell. "You're Wrong Again"? The vikings Kicked the 49ers ass big time- the game was NOT close as the score would make you think.

[@DystopianUtopia8]

Stephen, tell me you didn't watch the game in New York without telling me.

[@HashimA-ti9gu]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Darnold Smoked the niners. SA looks foolish.

[@truhoneybadger]

People forget that Sam put together some good games with Caroline and the Jets but couldn't overcome the mixture of poor coaching and poor player personnel. The Jets team he was drafted to was maybe the worst roster of all time and frankly, his talent showed. His best weapon those years was robbie Anderson and his o line was abysmal. Do I think he will develop into elite talent? No.. not really, but I've always thought he could be a mid level starter at the very least. Too much talent.

[@oel734]

I think he can be a bit more than Mid-Level. I think he can be on the same level as a Matthew Stafford, for example.

[@martymcfly7473]

Dan O NAILED IT! My Vikings should’ve beat the Niners by 27 points. If it wasn’t for Fred Warner that’s what would’ve happened. We deserve a little more respect after that. SKOL4LIFE.

[@stevesjeep3383]

Stephen a talking’ Dallas words about Minne😇

[@vikingjerome2438]

9ers haven't beaten the vikes at home since 1992💜😂👍

[@jwill294]

Lol Vikings have only beaten SF at home 1 time in that same span tho… They are 7-8 vs each other in that span…. Bruh barely anything there haha

[@mattcasanova7749]

@@jwill294 But it's at Minnesota...

[@bigda6407]

@@jwill294that doesn’t matter Vikings are at home this weekend not saying viings guaranteed to win but both teams have issue winning on the road vs each other

[@nestlund]

False. Google it. Minnesota has won 7 straight at home against SF.

[@bigda6407]

@@noahberger7718 yes in San Francisco that’s not in Minnesota

[@nestlund]

SF hasn’t won in MN since 1992. MN beat them last year with cousins who is the most overpaid QB in NFL history. Made more than than Tom Brady and has 1 playoff win on his resume. If Sam doesn’t turn the ball over this should come down to a one score game.

[@randyemiller1132]

smith is LUCKY fred warner played sunday. without his play this was a BLOWOUT

[@ryw929]

Can we come back to SAS after these Giants beat his Eagles this year and see if this week one Vikings win wasn’t at least a little impressive

[@jefforious2000]

Kind of Colin Cowherds corner guys... Edit: We're all definitely rooting for Sam, though. I've heard he is a good kid too many times not to root for him

[@stanprothero]

Minshew too can be an even better QB as he and Darnold had sumilar collegiate numbers but Darnokd got all the excessive hype coming out in the same year..mainly cuz he came from USC

[@Benjamin-fc9ww]

Matthew Stafford was on the Lions for all those bad rosters and he was still able to play pretty damn well. Sometimes you can tell it’s not the QB but the team around him that’s the problem. I’ve yet to see that from Sam.

[@kdubbss0583]

He had Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and Reggie Bush. There has not been a single player on the jets that are that quality of player Sam had

[@robe2504]

Probably because you weren't watching. Sam went 8-9 at the Panthers. Everyone else went 5-28 including Baker 1-6.

[@nm7425]

Darnold has obvious talent. He just has never been in a good position until now. Does anyone think he has less talent than Geno Smith, another guy who proved he could play years after he left the Jets.

[@Joseph-gm3qm]

Dan Orlovsky the same guy who ran out his own end zone? Dan Orlovsky the same guy who said Fields would play at a MVP level? Lol that Dan Orlovsky is as reliable as Mel Kiper.

[@anthonyhoomanawanui6930]

Here after the game Sam played well

[@DigontoZahid-lc7kt]

Ya darnold torched them nick bosa's and guys stephen a smith....

[@brandontull8937]

Minas a baddie

[@3alan6morgan95]

Let’s go Sam 🏈 I believe in you bro 😎

[@jesselee9332]

Dan, you better make Stephen a smith eat his words. Don't let him walk his way out with this one.

[@JardoniJovonovich]

Aged like a piece of cheese that fell under the refrigerator.

[@sammy6drumz]

SAS is such a casual

[@samexoldx]

Stevie boy should probably stick to basketball

[@dmr2041]

Loud mouth Steven A wrong once again.

[@Bryan-od7nv]

Guy makes a living off being wrong. Why change now? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Ratbiker48]

Waiting for the foot in mouth reaction from the MOUTH now

[@DystopianUtopia8]

Watch Minnesota beat the 49ers this weekend, and when and if they do, Stephen A can sit down and shut up.

[@ScottClausen76]

Stephen A needs to see it to believe it. Sees it. Still doesn't believe it.

[@BJ37]

I would take Darnold for 10 million over Goff for 53 million. 😂 The Lions are screwed.

[@chriswalberg3254]

The amount of people that would watch ESPN again if they would just fire Stephen A Smith.

[@dantheman8152]

Let's see Sam put together a full season of this play

[@robe2504]

He did in 2022, only 6 games true, but they were consistent and raised a bottom 3 team in the league into playoff contention.

[@shawnsmith4113]

@@robe2504 so basically, he is average?

[@oel734]

@@shawnsmith4113 Better than whatever that was in New York.

[@pjmlegrande]

That’s fair. My money sez he’ll be good all the way and Vikes in playoffs

[@shawnsmith4113]

@@oel734 so basically average?

[@coreycarter1419]

WRONG WRONG WRONG 😂😂😂😂 Stephan A dont know jaccc 💩. 9ers got whipped just like the G-men

[@mikereid7125]

This ain’t age well huh Stephen A SKOL

[@wingedbuffalo4670]

Josh Allen also believes in Sam Darnold. Perhaps smug Stephen A. ought to consider that FACT as well.

[@wingedbuffalo4670]

And look what I just learrned: the Vikings beat the juggernaut 49ers earlier today. I guess Orlovsky knows what he's talking about, eh Stephen A.? Stop being so condescending and disrespectful to Dan Stephen A. -- it's NOT a good look ... makes you look like a total a$$ho!e...

[@robfaison5726]

Skol!!! 💜💛💜💛

[@minisportscards]

Lol Stevie, you truly get paid for the same talent as a meteorologist.... All talk but rarely correct 😅

[@fredreickweaver809]

Darnold has never quarterbacked a top 25 offense - the film sickos don’t value down to down consistency and decision making nearly enough.

[@sahota22004]

Niners and lions in nfc 😂 nfc wide open. Patrick shits on any nfc team in superbowl. So let’s just say whoever been representing nfc in superbowl are not verified.

[@SteeIe]

Sleep on the Vikes at your peril. You’ve been warned.

To bad he was wrong minnesota took care of san fran

[@jaredpribyl]

Stephen A so clueless. Giants have a great D line, Bosa and the boys coming in changes nothing as far as a clean pocket goes. Darrisaw will completely erase Bosa like he did Brian Burns

[@gabrielsanchez8850]

Hi Mina

[@canescatsheat3056]

Imagine Mina Kimes and Dan Orlovsky stealing Coach JBs content, nothing new from Dan O since Coach JB is his mentor

[@midw3st845]

I can not standdddddddd S. Smith, Dude is the biggest Hater.

[@robe2504]

Remembering Khyree...

[@shawnsmith4113]

@@robe2504 Kyree is actually great, Darnold is mediocre

[@CasualGamerPlays]

Yeah of you're not black and part of the "go along to get along gang", then he's going to hate on you. Kyrie learned the hard way

[@oel734]

@@shawnsmith4113 Darnold lives in your head 24/7 it seems. Robe said NOTHING about Darnold here and yet you brought him up out of the blue. smh.

[@matthewvang3475]

Sam Donald just going to give you McDonald's that's all. No steak, no real food. 😊

[@spol]

Wrong

[@nimstennis]

easy trap niners dalls teaser donnt do it take carolina vikings an d brows

[@HOV4N]

Vikings win 34-27

[@robe2504]

I was thinking more 27-13, if they're without Addison, and the D smothering and confusing Purdy again.

[@oel734]

@@robe2504 This score is more doable as I don't think the Vikings can win in a shootout with the Niners. Of course, there is always the possibility of Sam going Ham (not CJ Ham) and the score being in the 30s (maybe a bit higher) and the Defense stifling the Niners offense and keeping them to under 20 points....

[@braytonbarrett1492]

What happened Stephen A lol

[@FNL47]

i respect the delusion

[@alexcorona]

Please don’t go down the Dan rabbit hole, especially with his MAGA views

[@mmayojr]

Stephen A's take didn't age well.

[@golurk9521]

This didn’t age well.

[@WheresWaldo05]

Dang she a cutie 😮

[@Memphizm]

Mina you look AMAZING 🔥😍🥵

[@bobbray9666]

Steven A doesn't know shit.

[@G0ster]

Steven A. your take has been proven to be an L, it happens own up to it tho.