Dane Mizutani: Sam Darnold can take the Vikings as far as they want to go

The duality of veteran quarterback Sam Darnold is something that has come to define the Vikings at different points of this season.

He has the arm talent to make some throws that completely defy logic. He also has the irrational confidence to take some risks that probably shouldn’t be taken.

If he’s able to strike a balance of being aggressive without being reckless, Darnold can take the Vikings as far as they want to go. He proved that on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field as he led the Vikings to a 30-27 overtime win over the Chicago Bears.

Not only was it the best game Darnold has played since signing with the Vikings, it might have been the best game of his career. He completed 22 of 34 passes for 330 yards and a pair of touchdowns while showcasing a level of toughness that was required to win the game.

Asked if he learned anything specific watching Darnold rise to the occasion, head coach Kevin O’Connell was effusive in his praise, saying, “Show me somebody that had a better game at the quarterback position.”

Maybe the only person that could challenge Darnold in that respect this week is rookie QB Caleb Williams. His spectacular play helped the Bears stay within striking distance against the Vikings before they shockingly forced overtime.

That simply the stage for Darnold to play hero.

“You’ve got to get ready to go back out there and execute at a high level,” Darnold said. “I feel like our offense did a really good job of that in overtime.”

No doubt Darnold was the main reason for that. After watching helplessly from the sideline while the Vikings melted down in the final minutes of regulation, he walked back onto the field in overtime knowing a score of any kind would end the game.

“I could see it in his eyes,” receiver Jordan Addison said. “We were going to win.”

As chaotic as the game had gotten at that point, Darnold provided a calming presence in the huddle. His combination of confidence and charisma uplifted everybody around him in the biggest moments.

“He never flinches,” right tackle Brian O’Neill said. “He’s the same guy no matter the situation.”

After a misread on his part resulted in a sack to start the drive, Darnold immediately got back on track, moving the chains with a 13-yard completion to Addison, a 20-yard completion to Justin Jefferson and a 29-yard completion to tight end T.J. Hockenson.

It was the personification of excellence from Darnold in overtime as he completed 6 of 6 passes for 90 yards. That made life easy for kicker Parker Romo, and he did his job, nailing a 29-yard field goal for the win.

“Just a resilient effort by everybody,” Darnold said. “I’m very proud of that.”

Now, as the Vikings head into the home stretch, they should feel confident that Darnold is capable of taking them on a playoff run.

There were questions about that earlier this month after a disastrous performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though many assumed he had turned back into a pumpkin, Darnold bounced back with a strong effort against the Tennessee Titans.

He followed that up by putting the Vikings on his back in Chicago.

“If he continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team,” O’Connell said. “He has done a really nice job a couple of weeks in a row.”

Does it mean the Vikings are going to win the Super Bowl? No.

Does it mean the Vikings are capable of competing for the Super Bowl? Yes.