Souhan: Quarterback Sam Darnold is ‘big time’ in his Vikings debut

On Jefferson’s long catch, Darnold had to release the pass before Jefferson had burst past his defender. Jefferson said that such a throw requires trust.

Jefferson had built that kind of relationship with Kirk Cousins. Sunday, as Darnold was impressing, Cousins was in Atlanta, completing 16 of 26 passes for 155 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions in an 18-10 loss at home to Pittsburgh.

We’re a long way from drawing final conclusions, but Day 1 went to the guy who has yet to bare his chest or wear gold chains at U.S. Bank Stadium.

”It’s great to be back here,” Darnold said. “It’s been a while since I played here. It’s always good to get back to MetLife.”

Since signing with the Vikings, Darnold has spoken with the kind of cautiousness often displayed by athletes who have been a punchline to millions of New Yorkers. In what he could have treated as a triumphant return, he was bland, if genial.

But he knows what’s at stake, for himself and his new team. If Darnold plays well, he will benefit from an evolved passing offense and excellent skill-position players, and be a candidate to earn a big contract and a starting job in 2025.