Following the injury to J.J. McCarthy, quarterback Sam Darnold is likely to join the Minnesota Vikings as the starter for the time being. It may be his last chance to get his NFL career going.

Not everything went smoothly in the first short outing in Week 1 of the preseason for the new team. A few incompletions, a receiver’s drop in the end zone, a running back who stumbled into his legs on a play.

But Sam Darnold – at least since the serious injury to quarterback J.J. McCarthy – should lead the Minnesota Vikings into the new season as the starter and showed some good beginnings with four completions out of eight attempts.

After his time with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, this is the third stop as a starter and potential source of hope for the third pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. And for Darnold, the upcoming season could prove to be groundbreaking for the rest of his NFL career.

Sam Darnold: “Only” a big promise so far

Because the 27-year-old has never been able to recommend himself for a long-term role as the starting quarterback of an NFL team

56 starting appearances with a total of four different teams over six years tell the story of a promising talent who showed enough promise with different franchises and in different systems to raise hopes time and again.

At the same time, injuries and inconsistent performances repeatedly dashed those dreams.

NFL: Has Darnold matured with the San Francisco 49ers?

Last season, he stepped out of the starter spotlight for the first time in his career and signed as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers.

In his only game of the season, he impressed with just under 300 passing yards and two touchdowns (with one interception). Under the wing of quarterback whisperer Kyle Shanahan, he could have taken important steps in his development.

“I have a lot of confidence in Sam. He was great in the offseason. He’s been great so far in the season, and he’s always ready to be thrown into the deep end,” Shanahan praised before Darnold’s first start.

Running back Christian McCaffrey agreed with him at the time: “Sam can do it all. He can make every throw. He has a quick mind and does his job well. And: He’s damn tough. “

Minnesota Vikings as a good environment

With the praise behind him, Darnold is now expected to set the pace for the Vikings. In an offense that should suit him stylistically. Head coach Kevin O’Connell relies on a variety of similar concepts to Shanahan.

The schematic approach is considered quarterback-friendly. The scheme could turn out to be a blessing in disguise, especially for Darnold, who has often floundered in his career due to mental mistakes. The circumstances are also likely to be much better compared to Darnold’s stints with the Jets and Panthers.

The head coach is securely in the saddle, the offensive line is very well staffed, especially at the two tackle positions, and the receiver trio of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson (currently still sidelined due to injury) provides a strong foundation.

Sam Darnold faces groundbreaking season with Vikings

With good performances, the 27-year-old could give his rather colorless career a new shine.

And thus recommend himself for a long-term starter position and – with a view to the quarterback market – a lucrative deal. If he doesn’t succeed, further opportunities are likely to be few and far between.

“Our football team was and is excited about Sam Darnold and what he can do,” said O’Connell after the first preseason game. So hopes are once again pinned on Darnold