“What a Season!” - Rich Eisen: Why Sam Darnold and the 14-2 Vikings Could Win the Super Bowl

[@rolgnav]

I think people are over looking the fact that Blake Cashman was out for both of the Vikings' losses... and he is the backbone of that defense.

[@RoyalBeggar]

Facts...Goff and Stafford were ripping it over the middle of the field in those two games

[@JimMaronGolf]

Vikings defence has been better with Cashman for sure, but elite when both Cashman and Pace are in the lineup. Pass rush just goes up a big notch whenever both of them are on the field.

[@ericneuharth3463]

Yeah. Already pointed out to Vikes fans we are 13-0 with Cashman and 1-2 without him. That is one dude in the middle of the defense that must be on the field.

[@TheCrudeLifeContentNetwork]

Plus his name is Cashman 💰

[@thorkagemob1297]

​@TheCrudeLifeContentNetwork and he's a Minnesotan

[@packatk7431]

Tell ya what man, I'm no Vikings fan but what his team-mates did for him at the end of that game is truly special. Good job Sam... I'll be rooting for ya for MVP.

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

I don't get a good feeling about the Vikings based on that celebration. They have accomplished NOTHING yet. Talent-wise they might get to the Super Bowl, but the mentality says "potential letdown" to me.

[@ramennoodles2306]

​@@daveconleyportfolio5192seems like the celebration is to show Sam that they believe in him and appreciate what he's been doing. Especially from what his career has been to this point. Every interview from coaches to players shows that they know they haven't accomplished anything.

[@MichaelRucker-ns5po]

@@daveconleyportfolio5192 good thing you're not the head coach. That culture and team is legit all around. One week at a time is all I hear from them

[@NewDr3w]

@@daveconleyportfolio5192 it’s not accomplishing nothing. Over 4,000 passing, 35 TD’s, great passer rating. The Jets and Panthers locker rooms were a morgue and no one on the team believed in him. This is another example and celebration showing Sam we are behind him. He and the whole team still have a 1-0 mentality to win every week.

[@sethmaki1333]

He's an easy guy to cheer for. His career was almost a "tragic what-if," instead he's become our guy.

[@IMNOTDEV218]

Honestly one of the only big shows covering sports that gave this team the respect they deserved at the beginning of the season. Now look at us. skol to the bowl boys.

[@kurtwagner350]

I think he mostly gave them respect for getting McCarthy but still cool

[@aerozepp4208]

Thank you Rich for not being like every other sports media stooge and say he was suppose to be JJ’s backup, SAM WAS ALWAYS GOING TO START THIS SEASON….SKOL BABY🙏

[@tj72190]

Also the discussion of “what do we do with JJ now!?” Is completely pointless. He is a rookie who got injured before his first season and a rookie should sit on the bench for 2-3 seasons. So Darnold will be resigned and JJ will sit on the bench behind him and that is that

[@aerozepp4208]

@ its a dynasty in the making my friend, right now you got Joe Montana and Jerry Rice playing (not saying Sam is Joe Montana with all due respect to both guys) and got Steve Young just waiting for his shot

[@Chugbob]

It angers me that all these major sports outlets keep stating that JJM was going to start this szn. This was never announced or put in place. Everyone knew that this was going to a be a bridge year with Darnold at minimum. Sports media is really taking a hit as of late. It's honestly embarrassing how they can't do minimal research.

[@emmanuelporte4201]

Just heard ESPN pull that false crap. It's so annoying. I even hear it on Vikings podcast. Hate it so much.

[@MichaelRucker-ns5po]

All the real purple drank drinkers know what's up. We all know JJ McCarthy was going to have a redshirt season. Now it looks like he's gonna sit for a few years. Everyone clamoring about "rookie deal advantage" please who cares?! Do you want a cheap QB or an Elite QB?

[@codyshirk8110]

Did anyone else get goosebumps for Sam? This is so cool to see, so deserved!

[@manveergill7539]

FACTZ😈🔥🥹💭😉🥂🫶🏻🔥🙌🏻💜💛

[@DrPhill96]

No.

[@Seemsayin]

​@DrPhill96 Man... that made me laugh. I was about to bag on the guy who asked that man-lovin question, and then I saw... "No.". Still laughing.

[@fredbishop9434]

It is pretty cool to see these alleged bust getting good coaching finally and showing their true potential.

[@darnell16player]

@@fredbishop9434 Exactly! Need more of it honestly!

[@erikrico3867]

Get Nick Swardson back on the show and give him the props he deserves for what he predicted this season for the Vikings!

[@garrett5974]

@@erikrico3867 Rock Hard Win

[@BrendanSlob]

​@garrett5974 it certainly was!

[@kevinswanson7740]

I thought he said they’d go undefeated

[@garrett5974]

@@kevinswanson7740 nope, 15-2

[@jackashmore]

They laughed at him at first the animal was right

[@kevinfessler6831]

I think what's really cool about Sam Darnold's story in Minnesota is Sam himself. He was a great kid when he showed up at USC, and has remained a good person throughout his struggles in the NFL. During the pregame presser vs. The Jets he was asked if he wasn't handled/coached correctly in NY and his response was, "I should have played better". Yes, I'm a Vikings (and USC) fan so it's especially gratifying but you like to see good things happen to kind people.

[@DennisFraser-fr2qu]

Must be fun to watch Addison as well then.

[@DevinJHiggins]

If I'm the Vikings, I do all we can to keep Sam for the next 2-3 years, at least. The postgame celebration in the locker room shows he hasn't just earned his teammates' respect, he's earned their affection. You can't just let that go after a season like this where no one expected them to be this good back in week 1. If anything, don't trade JJ either. Keep him there as the No.2 and let him get reps next season to make sure the knee is healed and he can play the position. It's a good problem for Minnesota to have, for sure.

[@katherineberger6329]

Cousins had the team's respect, but he never had their affection - even in the height of Kirko Chainz, everyone seemed to be looking at him like, look at this poseur trying to pretend to be what he's not.

[@ericneuharth3463]

Agree..I think we find a way to keep him for 1-2 years but it's also up to Darnold a bit. Hard to tag a guy for 40 mill 1 yr if he gets hurt when he can go out and get 4yr 180-200 million 100mill guaranteed. That's what teams will do. But he has to know, he won't have it any better than the Vikes culture

[@manveergill7539]

FACTZ😈🔥💭😉🥂🫶🏻🔥🙌🏻💜💛

[@dimension_5th]

vikings are one of the oldest teams in the entire nfl, with almost no draft capital, and very little young talent. Oh and a bunch of guys on one year deals hitting free agency at the end of the season. This team is not built well at all going forward. But when your gm has been dead last in draft rankings 2/3 years that will happen to you. But hey as long as the gm and hc went all in to ensure they get their contract extensions at the end of this season! Thats all they cared about. The vikings will drop off in a massive way going forward ill put money on it

[@Veaseify]

@@dimension_5th They only need to win once, like the Rams - nobody cares if you fall off a cliff afterwards

[@KK8701ND]

Rich... This was gold... Thank you

[@LVIIIR]

Or possibly Purple and Gold...😊

[@Seemsayin]

His take on our season was probably the most sincere I've heard. Coming from Eisen... it kinda gives ya a warm, fuzzy feeling. He just makes you pay attention, in a good way.

[@sethmaki1333]

We all here in Minnesota have grown to love Slingin Sammy. This has been an absolutely magical season so far. Let's see how far he can take us.

[@snoworicehockey]

Sam was relentlessly asked low EQ questions about JJM during the preseason and even after his injury … and Sam graciously answered them every time. Sam is just good people.

[@pickles_mcgickle6583]

I’m rooting for baker and darnold, it’s fun to see guys eventually succeed

[@srobeck77]

Bills if those 2 dont make it. Nice to see the underdogs with no SB wins, win it all

[@pjmlegrande]

As much as their raw talent, it shows great character. It’s a tough business, playing in the NFL and when you’re a high draft pick QB, magnify the “tough” by multiple factors. That Mayfield and Darnold have battled back from all the challenges they faced and the ignominy heaped on them shows that they are both very tough dudes on the inside. Really fun to see them succeed.

[@edwalter4425]

being a vikings fan since 1969, Iam so happy so far, lets see what happens the rest of the way, its been a fun season to watch for sure.

[@rleachii2]

Ford Field is going to be lit! This is one hell of a regular finale. May set a record for loudest NFL game of all time!

[@ne0n_idiot143]

the stakes of the match are absolute cinema

[@HadesZander-q6z]

It's gonna be such an amazing atmosphere this has been a long time coming from a vikings fan to a lions fan cheers to a great game!

[@mikewootson2085]

This might be the most anticipated division game ever

[@Seemsayin]

Not sure anyone can top the Diggs Minneapolis Miracle decibel level. I would love to see them walk out of Detroit with stunned silence. This Lions team is the best I've ever seen. They remind me of the 98 lights-out purple gang.

[@DJones-mw9mk]

The Vikings will be ready for the noise. That game won't be about noise. That game will once again come down to who has the best defense.

[@MrGMT1992]

As a vikings fan i was very bummed the start of the year. Admitted was not a Sammy D believer.... but now I am absolutely HYPED and would be depressed if we didn't find a way to keep him for the future. My oh my how the tides have turned.

[@ephemispriest8069]

Upvote if you made the same mistake.

[@magsxoa4519]

Thanks Rich. This is why I like watching your show. You're not so biased and show hate like the other channels.

[@johnchedsey1306]

That look of pure joy on Darnold's face when he got lifted up by his teammates is why we loves sports. Talk about one of the best redemption stories ever. I think the Vikings should offer him a 3 year deal of $45-50ish per season but give themselves wriggle room in the off chance Darnold regresses (I don't think he will). Keep McCarthy around because a) Darnold could get hurt and b) if Darnold regresses, you got your successor right there. My team isn't going to the playoffs so I'd love to see Darnold win it all this year. There wouldn't be a dry eye in the house

[@MichaelRucker-ns5po]

They said Goff was a bust with fisher. Coaching and situation really matters.

[@ericneuharth3463]

Exactly..McVee and KOC took Goff to a Super Bowl, he just hadn't quite developed enough. Now look at him in his prime, legit MVP contender. It takes time as an NFL QB Year 1-3 is learning, 4-6 is growth, 7-9 is your best prime years for NFL QB. Too bad some talent does rise to the top with poor franchises

[@MichaelRucker-ns5po]

@ facts

[@jgberzerker]

Oof, was there a more overrated HC than Jeff Fisher? 22yrs and barely above .500 win %. He milked that 1999 SB appearance, though.

[@dimension_5th]

contract season. thats all it is

[@MichaelRucker-ns5po]

@@jgberzerker idk man I just remember him being bad forever but they wouldn't fire him

[@gone4days956]

people need to notice who is front and center of the celebration at 9:00 mark. JJ

[@ephemispriest8069]

I fucking love JJ. He spent so much of that game pulling defenders as everyone else got their touches. With a smile on his face. Then he got his later. I adore this kid.

[@gone4days956]

@ JJ McCarthy

[@kevinswanson7740]

Real Vikings fans know, we follow these guys socials. JJ is ALWAYS amping up Darnold

[@SuperDuperSoundFX]

As a Niners fan, dont trade your backup QB away. You have a potential star in both QBs like Montana-Young; Favre-Rodgers

[@garrett5974]

Nick Swardson didn’t lie Rich…

[@allend5399]

Skol Vikings

[@kameronerdman5870]

lmao! he needs a follow up interview especially if they win next week and swardsons 15-2 prediction is correct

[@MoMoMyPup10]

@@kameronerdman5870 he didn't get all the games right but being insanely accurate on the final record, when it was basically laughable at the time, ought to deserve a lifetime membership on The Rich Eisen Show

[@kameronerdman5870]

@ yeah even swardson knew at the time it was highly unlikely and was going for comedic affect and it’s just insane that they’re one game away from it being reality 😂

[@mattmerritt1040]

ROCK HARD WIN!

[@joshualarson2876]

It doesn't matter how you get your franchise QB. Through the draft... free agency... or tripping across a hidden gem when you're simply looking for a bridge. The Vikings have found their guy and they need to re-sign him one way or another. Trade McCarthy or let him mature for a couple of years as your back-up a-la Jordan Love. But Sam has earned the starter spot moving forward.

[@BB-xq6rj]

Sam will take 30 for 3 he loves this team and just because someone will give him 45 for 3 doesn’t mean it will be better somewhere else. Just ask Kirko

[@jaredpribyl]

@@BB-xq6rjno way. At this point, a team friendly deal would still cost at least $40 a year. Dude is insane right now 🔥

[@ramirogarcia9354]

Darnold has " EARNED" ...the Starting QB Spot in Minnesota!!, if it gets " Taken Away" it would be the "Biggest Mistake" ...Minnesota has made since they let ".Kapp" go to the Patriots!! They would have " Won" their 1st SB if they wuda "Kept Kapp"!!! That's where the " Real" Purple Curse....came about!! They let " Kapp Go!!! Darnold is the ".Cogg," of " THAT " TEAM"!!...Period!! Even if they ,".Lose @.Deteoit.. they will make it to the SB, cause someone else...Eagles,.G.Bay,.will upset them ..B4 they meet.again & we'll beat the winner of that game & WIN !!.PERIOD!!.

[@jeffreyseverson135]

One of the great stories of the off-season is all the talented players the vikings picked up in free agency who are helping this team win.

[@dimension_5th]

they overpaid for a bunch of one year contract players. They're one of the oldest teams in the nfl.

[@AAONMS1]

@@dimension_5thTroll

[@theTonyTrout]

Really unbelievable. Make a list of the top 10 players on the Vikes. Half or more are in year 1

[@willhavel4525]

​@@dimension_5thBlow Pack Blow!

[@willhavel4525]

​@@dimension_5thDon't think you know what you're yapping about! As for the NFC (formally NFC Central; Lions, Bears, Packers, Vikings and Buccaneers), the Vikings are only older than Tampa Bay. If you're referring to the Duluth Eskimos, that's a different organization.

[@turtlevader]

JJ is right there in the hat too helping hold him up. There is no QB drama.

[@ezumb]

Gotta love a QB referencing Ricky Bobby, Shake n’ Bake

[@mrktarheel31]

As a Jets fan I’m happy for Sammy D

[@DustinHaning]

That would be really stupid to trade JJ McCarthy, even if they keep Darnold. He's a cheap insurance option on a rookie contract.

[@ericneuharth3463]

We aren't trading JJ, we develop him man. If the kid is smart he will see and learn from Vikes and Sam and look at how talented you can be but if you play for bad franschises. They will dump you and move on and have not patience in building the team and culture.

[@hammurds]

They aren’t going to get rid of JJ. Come on

[@account_suspended]

Especially coming off an ACL tear. Gives him more time to recover on a cheap deal. See how he develops and with KOC he will probably excel

[@johnj2626]

Excellent story Rich! Just fun to see his teammates showing him the love and appreciation for his efforts. This locker room cohesiveness is huge for the team.

[@PurpleReign28]

Slingin' Sam Darnold, AMERICA'S QUATERBACK! 🇺🇸

[@oledefense1033]

As a packers fan as much as I hate all things Minnesota 🙄 Darnold has been outstanding Really shows how shitty the jets are as an organization from top to bottom Darnold has played at a top 7 QB level Unfortunately the Vikes are very forreal

[@dwaynebembry323]

The respect is mutual. GB is good for sure. Best division in the league. It wouldn't surprise me if there was a round 3 down the road

[@dodu8281]

in the meantime, baker mayfield been doing awesome.... same draft class. from the browns and the jets... always does 2 when u think about qbs...

[@damienrhys3165]

How can you not love football with stories like these. Some franchises don't know how to develop a QB, or keep them motivated. Makes ya think, what a year can do for your life. You can change everything just as quick.

[@benjaminanderson6709]

SKOL BABY!! Let’s bring it home!!

[@allend5399]

Skol brother 💪

[@manveergill7539]

FACTZ😈🔥💭😉🥂🫶🏻🔥🙌🏻💜💛

[@smsuwyn]

Don’t start hyping us up. We do better when no one talks about us

[@mcs68419]

Rich Eisen has been talking up the Vikings for weeks now, brother. You can chill.

[@srobeck77]

@@mcs68419 weeks out of a 4 month long season isnt very long, relax on that hot take

[@craigwhitman5064]

I am very happy for Sam, a great redemption story. If he takes us to the promised land there will be a bronze statue in front of US bank stadium 😊

[@MNWILD43]

Whatever happens, Sammy needs to be a Viking.

[@Dotification]

"The Resurrection of Sam Darnold" by Kevin O'Connell--let's fucking go!

[@AnalogWolf]

I must say I admire Rich's joy in this situation. He's just fun to listen to and it comes off as very genuine. I love seeing Darnold being embraced like that, and seeing KOC just smiling off in the background. What a wonderful thing for people who are down on their luck being given an opportunity and nurturing to be their best selves, even when they can't see it. This was supposed to be a test season for the Vikings and JJ. When JJ was injured I was heartbroken, but thought Sam would be okay. Maybe 8 wins if we were lucky. Like basically everyone else, I was wrong. As a home fan, it is difficult to see your team in a fully positive light as you are harder on them than others (at least not me, I'm not a homer that thinks my team will make it to the SB every year) but as the weeks have gone on I see that the best teams can beat you in multiple ways. Some weeks the offense just hums, other weeks the defense is what wins. Sometimes like in the Packers game both are running well and you can see just how strong this team is. Granted, the game was closer than it probably should have been but they still won. They definitely have the talent to win it all, but unlike the NBA playoffs the one-and-done style throws a lot more surprises into a mix. Either way, the Lions game will be a joy to watch, and I hope we get the #1 seed out of this. It's a great time to be a Vikings fan, and a fan of football in general as I am also enjoying seeing the Lions get their due.

[@marthareis5873]

Well said.

[@jacobfolstrom7684]

Thank you for giving not only Sam Darnold his due, but for being the one to proclaim that what is happening to the MINNESOTA VIKINGS is an EPIC story! They are not reacting to history, they are making history!

[@PhilMilkenson]

I'm a chiefs fan but that cheering for Darnold gave me chills. What a scene...good for that young man! Delayed gratification is a hell of a thing

[@RDAmidwest]

Has the League finally realized what a great storyline they can hype with a Bills-Vikings February Finale? 😮 Finally! 🥳 Imagine that. 🤯

[@manveergill7539]

FACTZ😈🔥💭😉🥂🫶🏻🔥🙌🏻💜💛

[@HandyMan657]

I'm way happy for Darnold. Good on him for playing the way I knew he would. in time.

[@CamWho1225]

Trading JJ would be idiotic move, Vikings future is set that part doesn’t have to change. Let’s take the packers approach

[@jgiza8888]

Rich is pimping for Minnesota to be dumb enough to trade JJ McCarthy to his Jets. NOT HAPPENING!

[@brandonenglund7516]

No one, NO ONE seen this coming. I had such low expectations, figured they would be around a .500 team, the experts said they would win 6.5 games. Now they have the opportunity to win in Detroit to take the number 1 seed, unreal. This team far exceeded my expectations, when McCarthy went down I figured this season was a rebuild and maybe next year they’ll be decent. What a story, final week, winner-take-all against the Lions will be the most watched regular season game all year. And just think of the Vikings win, we could have a SB battle of the 0-4 Vikings against the 0-4 Bills. Couldn’t write it a better script!

[@dontnonowuno9953]

Pretty sure Cowherd said that Darnold just needed a coach to be good but no one probably said 14-2 good

[@kevinswanson7740]

Nah I seen my guys goin at least 4-0 AFTER JJ was hurt. I didn’t see 14-2 but I knew we were a dangerous playoff team. I’ve been tryna tell my fellow Vikings to not look at this team like teams from past seasons

[@George_M_]

I knew Darnold would be better off the Jets. The eye test always said he was talented but being held back by fixable things and a horrible team.

[@scottdenunzio5533]

Dan Orlovsky called it in August, you can find the clip online of Stephen A Smith asking him if he's ok and laughing at him.

[@tomhenne50]

Sam The Man, I AM! SKOL to the Bowl!

[@allend5399]

Skol brother 💪

[@shackdaddy7106]

Coaching wise, the man that deserves at least 50% of the credit for the success of Sam Darnold is the quarterback coach Josh McCown. Josh was hired by the Vikings during the off-season. Now here’s a guy that has something that Kevin O’Connell does not have. On field experience as a quarterback in the NFL. Josh played in the NFL for 16 years for nine different teams and a bunch of different offensive systems. His knowledge has been clearly invaluable to Sam. Kevin O’Connell came to the Vikings in 2022. He did not improve Kirk cousins. That is a fact. In 2023 Kirk played about half the season and tore his Achilles tendon. And then the Vikings went with a variety of quarterbacks with not much success. I am telling you that the difference is not only Sam Darnold but also Josh McCown. I have watched every Vikings game this season and the only time Josh‘s name was mentioned was in week 16 against Seattle. Nobody in the Twin Cities or anywhere in this country has said anything about Josh McCown and his contribution to the Vikings. And God dammit it’s about time he got some recognition.

[@driggs8600]

You have to have Swardson back to celebrate his picks. Look out Las Vegas Aces....Vikes are coming for ya!!!

[@chadkittleson5447]

I'm a Packers fan so I gare this. Lol. That said, I'm so happy for Darnold and it makes me want a time machine to put some other "disappointing" QB picks under different management.

[@stefanjentoft8107]

Part of what makes the Vikings' offense so potent is simply the number of incredibly talented weapons they have. Take JJ out, they hit Addison. Take Addison out as well, TJ and Nailor are there. You saw it this game where JJ was not getting targeted early, but Darnold found other targets. Especially when the O-Line plays like they did Sunday, we're deadly.

[@stevenhartlaub4557]

Well said. This team was going to be good with any quality QB.

[@stefanjentoft8107]

@ most especially with a qb-whisperer coach like KOC

[@Minnymooooo]

Life long Viking fan, keep JJ and pay Sam! The locker room is behind him all the way.

[@jadenbarry6012]

Kevin will keep both in MN he is the one who identified both Sam and JJ people will ignore this but JJ was doing everything right to make a legit case as a rookie to start at some point and there's a qoute that Kevin said that I believe as well "I believe that organizations fail young quarterbacks before young quarterbacks fail"- Kevin O'connell

[@srobeck77]

@@jadenbarry6012 ok but Kevin also identified Daniel Jones. Plug and play, baby!

[@azflyer3297]

Fantastic analysis. Pleasure to watch 👍🏻

[@leonapplebutter5946]

Vikings need to take a page from their rival GB and keep sam for the next few years and let JJ sit behind him to truly learn the ins and outs of the NFL

[@strayv]

Montana > Young Farve > Roger’s Roger’s > Love Alex Smith > mahomes This is the way

[@PyxisGuru]

As a Vikings fan, this was awesome to hear. Our Vikings are special this year, yet most just look past us, somewhat understandably minus the fact each year is a new team.

[@toofrank2222]

You gotta have Nick Swardson back on if they win on sunday! ...."New high score? What does that mean? Did I break it?"...

[@PhantomBracku]

What i love about rich is that he's one of the few people in sports media that KNOWS Sam was the starter from the beginning

[@SteelFox83]

No tradey! Let the kid develop. This is a rare opportunity for the Vikings

[@stefan6653]

Exceptional piece from Rich here. ❤

[@philipskilbred4249]

Don't forget that the owners made some very difficult but brilliant changes. Good management always has good results

[@lordemed1]

hear that NY Jests?

[@proteuswest1084]

Didn’t get to see him play that much in SF, but everyone talked well of him and what I did see made me think he was going to be much better in Minnesota than people thought. It really does matter where you play, and it’s pretty clear that if you’re looking for reclamation projects, you could do worse than looking for the castoffs of the Jets and the Panthers.

[@kemwershabbaka4351]

Sam Darnold 14-2?????? He always had the tools. Throws a beautiful ball and very accurate. But the mental part had to be overcome. A very good coach, a good team, and elite receivers have helped him. He still has the demons, but they have been managed to keep them to a minimum. Hats off to him for this season and keeping the faith even if the wheels fall off in the playoffs.

[@the.gentlemanrogue]

8:52 that is JJ McCarthy celebrating with them. That kid is humble and I hope we hang onto them both!

[@bigjoker9951]

"Look at all that green"! Absolutely!!! Kirk was/is a good quarterback. But Sammy D.....he has that "it" factor! Kirk tried to get it but Sam.....He just HAS it!!! I LOVE this team. SB? Not sure about it this year!! But if we can get Sammy D back and get KOM to cook in the draft and FA?!? You can forget about Detroit. You can forget about Philadelphia. You can forget about anyone else. The Vikings. We will dominate for awhile! Love this team, coaches, ownership!!! SKOL💜💛💜💛

[@PhilipImler-s1d]

It’s crazy, but I haven’t heard anyone speaking Sam Darnold’s name in the mvp race. Shouldn’t be! He has been throwing dimes this year.

[@HelpUsSaveLives]

Truly a remarkable win and scene in the locker room.

[@cbalexander4444]

Class of 2018: Baker, Allen, Darnold, Jackson 🏈✌️

[@Deandrebeck13]

Josh Rosen is sitting somewhere fuming right now

[@PurdyGood]

I’m a Niners fan NOT bandwagon-ing the Lions. The Lions winning it all and/or beating the Chiefs make the 49ers look worse. Plus, there’s a bunch of great reasons to root for the Vikings over the Lions. That’s a franchise that’s been fighting harder than the Lions and have been on the doorstep more often than those Kitty Kats. I hate being the only one seeing this. Go Vikings.

[@onomatopoeia162003]

We are 0-4 in our history.

[@roryanderson8667]

Rich that was very well spoken I'm glad maybe the rest of the NFL will wake up and see what kind of team this is they're just not a bunch of badass players they're smart they have Smart coaches and they believed in each other that's what it takes to win a Super Bowl that is what it takes belief in each other

[@jokernation2172]

As a Vikings fan I appreciate all the respect you have given us. Props to you. Skol

[@justinkruse7350]

Jets are questioning their entire existence with the way Arnold has blossomed.

[@jackiesorensen6849]

Vikings have Khyree Jackson remembrances everywhere, I think it’s bonded the team in a profound way- I’d love to see anyone cover that story. Next years QB situation is a good problem to have, can’t wait for the showdown in Motown SKOL SKOL SKOL

[@tinamdobson]

You do NOT trade JJ. OMG. Sam for a year or two and then JJ. It would be idiotic to trade JJ McCarthy.

[@SparkyFinch]

Every time i hear "Trade JJ" I make a face like HELL NAW

[@donaldbruce7559]

Sam is a very low key guy, but the joy in his face seeing how much his teammates love and appreciate him RAISING HIM UP on their shoulders… makes every Minnesota fans hearts warm. Sam the man, great job.

[@Blood_Ronin]

I want a Ravens Vikings Purple Bowl so bad.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Great stuff Rich!

[@justinkidder6872]

That shot of darnold soaked in water was amazing. Skol to the bowl.

[@kbrewers]

Rich Eisen with actual factual reporting on Sam Darnold to start the year and the plan was ALWAYS to have the rookie sit for a year. If Darnold completely crashes, then there would be a conversation to perhaps start JJM. But that was never the plan. Plan was always to give Darnold the keys for 1 year.

[@fateweaver9844]

The fact that the team honored him like he had won us the Conference Championship and it was just a regular season game speaks volumes about how much the team loves him. I was more impressed by KOC standing off to the side looking on like a proud father. Been a fan since the 90s. This is honestly the best Vikings team I've witnessed in 30 years

[@collinmartin2566]

Seeing Sam darnold succeed honestly makes me feel that much more sorry for all the qbs that weren’t blessed w a competent team

[@srobeck77]

like Jared Goof with the Lions doing really well compared to his time with the Rams

[@patrickoleary6337]

Ya im a mew listener..keep up the good work rich

[@patrick815]

Like Maximus. Strength & Honor !

[@davidblack3418]

Watch KOC’s face during that.

[@magsxoa4519]

Fight On ✌ Darnold!

[@Mario-Loco683]

TROJAN LEGEND ✌️ FIGHT ON

[@marcalvarado1915]

✌️✌️

[@dennishaley6440]

Yessir. Fight on. ✌🏿. If anyone think Sam is new to this, go watch Penn State vs USC 2017

[@magsxoa4519]

​@@dennishaley6440what a game that was! ✌

[@XIXpop]

K○C would be a great manager at any major corporation. He handles variables well.

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Sam is fun to watch....seems very confident....got some great people around him.....their defense is solid....

[@Cherrios531]

he finally said it SKOOOOOLLLL!!!!!!

[@anthonythanghe4755]

9:41 that “everybody does” is funny but true.

[@toma3447]

What a story and documentary it’s going to be when Sam wins the Vikings their first Super Bowl on his first season.

[@TheBdunk17]

I think this team embodies an incredible '1-0' mantra. Any Vikings fan who has bought into this mindset understands that discussions about Sam Darnold's future will begin when the offseason's '1-0' focus starts. I believe Darnold also realizes that staying in Minnesota long-term might be worth taking a deal that's 50% less than what the open market might offer.

[@markjackson6134]

Most of you won't be old enough to recall, for I'm old NOW but was a puppy when it happened but Darnold's pulling a Jim Plunkett, with better stats. With Geno, Baker, Darnold...they might wanna create a Jim Plunkett award for a QB thought to be failure...but actually succeeds elsewhere.

[@srobeck77]

Favre was also cast off to Cheeseland back in the day too

[@markjackson6134]

@@srobeck77 Not quite like the others in that Farve didn't play enough to be deemed a "failure" "bust"....like the others. Oh, but I don't think he would've been what he became if he hadn't left Atl.

[@shysgarage2405]

Sam Darnold is the REAL MVP... Keyword is VALUABLE. It's not about the most stats. The pundits should have journalistic standards and have him #1 in the MVP race hands down...

[@srobeck77]

Josh Allen might have something to say about it

[@keeganandersson4281]

I think this is the first season where four different teams all have a win streak of 9+ at some point in the season. And three in the same conference, two in the same division. Insanely good teams at the top this year

[@clintonreisig]

SKOL to the BOWL 💜💛💜

[@dylanisP]

Thank you rich you’re the only media personality that knows JJ wasn’t going to start over Sam regardless

[@Jiff321]

McCarthy would be the sure fire number 1 pick in this years draft, he’s a year younger than Shaduer Sanders still and had twice the college career as him.. Theres no reason to trade him, unless someone offers the first overall pick you hang up

[@reetosevensix5342]

Darnold is the Vikes logo, Destin for greatness.

[@ericneuharth3463]

Salute Rich.. Always good content on your show, bud. Keep up the great work

[@chuckjohnson5235]

Vikings @ Tampa Bay would be wild af!

[@svengalilord]

Slingin' Sammy Darnold is a great QB--top five easily, and he ain't #5. While still a much bigger unknown, JJ can be a transcendent QB, one who history will recognize in the same pantheon as Montana, Brady and Mahomes. JJ is a winner. His record in football dating back to H.S., is something like 60-4. He is as wildly charismatic as Darnold is bland. While JJ was still practing in training camp, Viking reporters said the QB battle was a dead heat btwn the two. Tag Darnold, let JJ prove himself on the practice field and mop up duty. Kick the can down the road a year, have a true competition and let the best man win. The Vikings deserve this embarrassment of richness having gone through the QB desert of Christian Ponder, Tarvaris Jackson Spergon Wynn and Josh Freeman

[@karlmckinnell2635]

For a rookie quarterback to be able to observe, absorb and grow in this environment will prove invaluable throughout his career. Go Vikings.

[@TheOsfania]

It took about 15 weeks for this program to recognize the excellence and hard work of the Vikings.