Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold had a successful debut in a 28-6 win over the New York Giants last Sunday but San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir believes that momentum will come to a halt when they meet in Sunday's game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Lenoir and Darnold spent one year as teammates as Darnold worked as a backup behind Brock Purdy last season. The one year apparently helped establish a connection between the two teammates but not one that will benefit him on Sunday.
"Me and Sam, we have this connection. This connection where he'd throw the ball to me," Lenoir told reporters on Thursday. "This week, I'm coming. He knows it."
While Lenoir's comments feel like bulletin board material, he also said it with a smile before complimenting Darnold's ability.
"I know he's a talented player and he's going to come ready to work," Lenoir said. "I know how he prepares. He gave us great looks when he played here with us. Just taking over the scout team, he was throwing dimes so I know it's going to have to be tight, sticky coverage."
But even if Lenoir was making a joke, many are at a stage where they need to see Darnold do it again. The third overall pick by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold had failed stints as a starter in New York and in Carolina before signing with the 49ers in the spring of 2023.
Many were surprised when the Vikings signed Darnold to be their starter in 2024 following the departure of Kirk Cousins but Darnold was impressive, completing 19-of-24 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in Week 1.
The 49ers defense will be a tougher task, however, as they put the clamps down in Monday's win over the New York Jets, holding Aaron Rodgers to 167 yards passing and top receiving target Garrett Wilson to six catches for 60 yards.
San Francisco also received good news on Friday when Vikings receiver Jordan Addison was ruled out with an ankle injury suffered in last week's win over the Giants.
Darnold's ability to provide an encore in front of a home crowd will be one of the biggest storylines of Sunday's game which kicks off at noon CT in Minneapolis.
