The Minnesota Vikings were dominant on the road in the season opener against the New York Giants, but Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers is a whole different ballgame.
Quarterback Sam Darnold acknowledged that fact when speaking with media members on Wednesday, September 11. However, he also gave insight into the advantage he has in this specific matchup after spending all year in 2023 as the backup to Brock Purdy in the Bay Area.
"It was huge, just being able to learn how they do things over there -- not only schematically, but just as an organization. It was great to be able to be a part of that for a year," Darnold said. "I think just seeing [the defense] every day, I think it definitely helps ... but I'm sure they'll have some different things [this season]."
Beyond the inside knowledge of how the 49ers coaching staff thinks and what its players do specifically well, Darnold noted that being part of a winning team for the first time in his NFL career also did wonders for him as a player.
"I learned so much last year. What we did every single week ... just being able to learn every single game plan and study throughout the week," Darnold continued. "I think I learned a ton about myself last year and learned a lot about football last year as well."
Darnold was one of the top performers at quarterback across the league in Week 1, completing 19-of-24 passes for 208 yards and 2 TDs in a blowout 28-6 win. He did throw an interception Sunday, though he was hit by a defender as he made the pass, which led to its wayward trajectory.
Darnold appeared in 10 games for the 49ers last season, earning one start. He threw for 297 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT across the campaign. San Francisco made it all the way to the Super Bowl, where the 49ers fell in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs.
