EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Minnesota Vikings had just completed their longest drive in 16 years on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium -- one punctuated by a pair of laser throws from quarterback Sam Darnold to receiver Justin Jefferson -- when coach Kevin O'Connell stole a knowing glance at Jefferson.
"I saw Justin's face after that drive," O'Connell said, "and I think he felt pretty darn good about who is throwing him the football."
In his Vikings debut, Darnold produced one of the best games of his career by connecting on his first 12 throws and finishing with 19 completions in 24 attempts for 208 yards and two touchdowns.