QB Stock Report Disrespecting Sam Darnold?

Through the first four weeks of the 2024 NFL season Sam Darnold has led the Minnesota Vikings to a perfect 4-0 record. Of course he wasn’t expected to be this good, and it seems that preconceived notion continues to hold him back. That doesn’t make the reality any less true.

Minnesota Vikings Sam Darnold not getting his deserved due

Each week The Athletic’s Jeff Howe has posted an NFL QB stock report. Sam Darnold initially appeared near the bottom of it but has made a steady climb as his performance has warranted. Despite another win against division rival Green Bay, on the road, he…dropped a spot?

It’s inexplicable that Darnold’s position would take a step backwards after a win. There could be a level of sensibility if he performed poorly, but that wasn’t the case either. Darnold went 20-for-28 and threw for 275 yards. He threw an interception, but added three touchdowns. His fumble was a byproduct an a rusher getting him on the blind side. Howe tried to explain the drop, but it rings a bit hollow.

“For example, Sam Darnold dropped a spot because there’s so much parity in that area of the rankings. Vikings fans won’t love that, but it came down to ball security. Darnold had an interception and a lost fumble against the Packers. He’s now got three picks and four fumbles (one lost) in four starts.”

Jeff Howe on Darnold’s drop (The Athletic)

The interceptions are largely negligible when you consider he is leading the league with 11 touchdowns. Of course the fumbles are somewhat problematic, but he has lost just one of them.

Related: Vikings WR Blames Sam Darnold for Rib Injury… and He Agrees

There’s room for Vikings Sam Darnold to climb

As has been the case throughout the first few weeks of the season, Sam Darnold can continue to climb these stock watch rankings. He should be a top-10 quarterback at this point, and there are multiple performers that belong below him.

Sam Darnold's last two throws. 3rd and 12 then a deep completion to take more time off the clock and should've iced the game, both with pressure in his face and getting hit. Onions. pic.twitter.com/roiPcFK3AP

— Jacob Nierob (@JNierob) September 30, 2024

Neither Kyler Murray or Jordan Love belong ahead of Darnold. Dak Prescott, Brock Purdy, and Aaron Rodgers have been middling as well. While subjective in nature, if the goal is to be an accurate representation of what is transpiring on the field, then these certainly miss the mark.

Related: Bill Belichick Points Finger at Jets; Says Everyone Likes Sam Darnold

Darnold gets another chance to turn Howe into a greater believer this week. If he can go overseas and beat the Jets in London, it will be a nice bit of redemption.