Sam Darnold or Kirk Cousins? Colin Cowherd Goes All-In on His Choice…

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Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Over the offseason the Minnesota Vikings had a significant decision to make at quarterback. When Kirk Cousins ran for the money in Atlanta, it was made for them. Things have worked out much better for Kevin O’Connell given the production from Sam Darnold. As both quarterbacks face off this weekend, the debate as to which is actually better might not have to do with money at all.

Forget the payday, Minnesota Vikings won with Sam Darnold

Part of the Kirk Cousins equation was always going to be financial. He has squeezed every dollar he can out of a relative career of mediocrity. Minnesota opted to pay Sam Darnold $10 million instead, and it’s worked out well. Colin Cowherd isn’t really worried about the financials though, and has no problem backing that up. “Oh god, Darnold,” he exclaimed emphatically when choosing between quarterbacks. John Middlekauf echoed the sentiment.

“Sam Darnold, to me, if I was a team and you said Kirk Cousins – Sam Darnold? Not even factoring in money, [Darnold] 100%. Then when you factor in one guy’s making $40 million. Is Sam, is he getting that? Even if he did, if all money’s equal, I will take Sam Darnold every day of the week. And again, look who likes him. Kyle loved him. They didn’t want to lose him, but they couldn’t compete with a $10 million [offer], what Minnesota gave him. Look what he’s done. I stand by it. Minnesota’s got really good coaching”

John Middlekauf on Sam Darnold over Kirk Cousins (The Volume Sports)

This isn’t the first time that Cowherd has thrown support behind Darnold. I’m not sure if I love the idea of paying Darnold anything close to $40 million, but that isn’t the Vikings reality. Removing the dollars from the equation only makes things look worse for the Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Cousins. At this point of the season, it’s beyond obvious that Minnesota has the better signal caller.

Darnold is leading a 10-2 Minnesota team and has posted a career-best 67.6 completion percentage. His 23 touchdowns are a new career-high, and he has gone three straight weeks without an interception. To say that the former first round pick is rolling would be putting it lightly. The fact that he’s doing it for Minnesota on a budget contract makes it that much sweeter.

Related: The Athletic Has No Faith in Vikings Catching Lions in NFC North

Cousins comes back to Minnesota fresh off a horrendous four interception game. He showed that he could perform with substantial talent around him, but it has been more difficult with lesser weapons in Atlanta. His 13 interceptions lead the league, and the Vikings defense won’t be looking to welcome him back warmly.

Related: Kirk Cousins Went on an Interception Spree vs Chargers

There’s no doubt that this weekend’s Vikings matchup will be a fun one. Darnold can best the guy who he took over for, and Minnesota will get a chance to see what Cousins is capable of from the opposite sideline. A big game for Darnold will only further push the reality of who the better talent is.

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