Vikings Receive Strong Warning About Quarterback’s ‘Ugly’ Play

The Minnesota Vikings have seen strong performances from Sam Darnold over the past two weeks, but it’s still uncertain whether he can match the consistency of his predecessor, Kirk Cousins.

Colin Cowherd offered an insightful comparison of the two quarterbacks after Darnold led the Vikings to a 2-0 season start, while Cousins secured the Atlanta Falcons’ first win with a game-winning drive against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.

“I’ve always thought comparing Sam Darnold to Kirk Cousins is like comparing baking to being an ‘Iron Chef.’ Baking is methodical, precise, and follows specific instructions, like science. Chefs, on the other hand, rely on improvisation, adaptation, and creativity — it’s more of an art. Both approaches have merit,” Cowherd explained. “Kirk Cousins is like a baker — all about meticulous preparation and consistent results. Darnold is more of a chef — unpredictable, with more flair, risk, and creativity. You won’t get the same steady results with Darnold as you do with Cousins.”

"Kirk Cousins is a baker, Sam Darnold is more the chef."

— @ColinCowherd compares Minnesota's current and former QB pic.twitter.com/k7IhyyZrfj

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) September 18, 2024

Darnold’s ability to improvise in the pocket has been effective so far. He showcased his awareness and mobility during a 97-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson and also made crucial scrambles for 18 and 16 yards on third downs to extend drives in the Week 2 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

While the Vikings’ offense has a higher ceiling with Darnold, fully realizing that potential will depend on his ability to make smart decisions and avoid “ugly games.”

“He’s an athlete who improvises and ad-libs, producing more dramatic, explosive touchdowns—but also more messy games. He’s not Brett Favre, obviously, but when Favre was in Minnesota, he had a similar style. Favre was like a chef… There’s no denying this offense has more energy with Darnold. Kirk Cousins, though, was the more consistent option,” Cowherd explained.