Minnesota Vikings Q&A: Darnold's Linsanity Run? Why No Kwesi Extension? Player Hang With?

Our (semi) regular Jeromes Minnesota Vikings Q&A session.
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[@derekbaker3279]

Excellent answers Andy! I know I am posting my comment waaay after the fact, but I want to re-iterate a really important point.
1. Yes, a quarterback's success in the passing game is largely determined by his OL...however, it is not** the *amount of time* a QB gets to make his reads & make a mechanically-sound throw *before he gets hit or moved off his spot* ...it is the *amount of time before D-linemen/OLBs/blitzers get into his field of vision, cut off throwing lanes, and collapse the pocket from the front to disrupt the QB's mechanics* .
2. While there is no doubt that Darnold has his deficiencies, I would suggest that the iOL's totally inadequate pass protection resulted in the most important factors (QB vision, QB throwing lanes, and where the pocket collapses) being significant factors in Darnold's worst performances. So, as Andy points out, the question of Darnold's true ceiling is a difficult one to answer, and IMHO KOC/Wes Phillips/Josh McCown will need to literally look at every successful & unsuccessful pass play Darnold had to arrive at an accurate conclusion.
3. FWIW, my gut feeling (not based on super-detailed analysis like KOC et al. must do) says that around a half of Darnold's unsuccessful pass play opportunities were *significantly* impacted by the way the iOL fell apart under quick interior pressure, intense/physical pressure, D-linemen stunts, blitzes & especially delay blitzes.
4. My gut tells me that Darnold, any other experienced QB, or JJ McCarthy would significantly improve their pass game with a *much* better iOL...specifically, one which consistently gives some ground in pass protection, *without allowing pass rushers to distract/interfere with the QB's vision, block the QB's throwing lanes, throw off the QB's timing, and/or mess up the QB's 'muscle memory'/mechanics.
So, yes indeed, much of the future successes & failures of the Vikes' offence will come down to consistent, playoff-calibre pass protection of the entire OL, therefore how much Kwesi A-M can upgrade the iOL this off-season!

[@craigweimer9480]

Ill be so disappointed if we spend a ton of money on darnold and not follow the plan, not fill the needs, start working on Oline. If the oline doesnt improve significantly, plus a good RB, i have very little faith. Darnold panicked 2 games in a row with pressure

[@EricPederson-e4i]

On your next mock draft, could you explore what is the trade value of TJ Hawkinson?And how much would we save against the cap if the vikings were to move him. It just seems like we could get cheaper at that position. I would love to hear what your take is on it

[@everlastinglife5978]

Tevin Jenkins, Will Fries, Trey Smith, Will Hernandez, maybe Ryan Kelly.

[@quest4adventure495]

If the Vikings bring in Myles Garrett, regardless of how cheaply they get him, I will not consume any Vikings content until he is gone. The man is an absolute scumbag. Oh and on top of all that he is getting old!

[@IsaiahSmith-h6o]

Hope they get him just in spite of you😂

[@takedownTony6]

So since Sam Darnold is a great guy we should resign him? This why the Vikings can’t get over the hump

[@geoffreysaign364]

get rid of darnold. that's it.

[@ZuyaSica]

What if jjs a bust?

[@curtwoods6278]

💩 the wilfs just say, McCarthy, Daniel's, 3rd who ever.