Watch: Vikings' Darnold and Jefferson connect for 97-yard TD

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Watch: Vikings QB Sam Darnold and WR Justin Jefferson connect for electric 97-yard TD

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Sep 15, 2024 2:38 PM ET

Surprisingly, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold isn't floundering against the San Francisco 49ers.

With 9:35 remaining in the second quarter and the Vikings leading 3-0, Darnold launched a pass down the middle of the field to wide receiver Justin Jefferson, which turned into a 97-yard touchdown.

According to CBS Sports' John Breech, the big play is the longest TD the 49ers have ever allowed.

JUSTIN JEFFERSON 97 YARD TUDDY!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/0PJs9mheCK
— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024

The Vikings led the 49ers 13-7 at halftime. In the first half, Darnold completed 8-of-15 passes for 171 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 34 yards on three carries.

Darnold — the third overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft — has struggled to meet expectations throughout his seven-year career. He posted a 21-34 starting record in the regular season during his first five seasons with the Jets and Panthers.

However, he spent last season in San Francisco with head coach Kyle Shanahan, which may help him improve. On Tuesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said, "[Darnold] took a lot out of that," via Pro Football Talk's Myles Simmons.

Much like Shanahan, O'Connell is an offensive-minded coach who could help Darnold unlock some of his potential. In a Week 1 28-6 victory over the Giants, the 27-year-old completed 19-of-24 passes for 208 yards, two TDs and one interception.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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