Vikings QB Darnold hopes 2023 practices vs. 49ers’ defense helps now originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Sam Darnold will call on his 2023 49ers experience to aid him Sunday.
The 27-year-old backed up Brock Purdy last season and faced San Francisco’s elite defense every day at practice.
Darnold told reporters Wednesday how his routine battles with the 49ers’ linebackers and defensive backs will help him in the Week 2 game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
“Just seeing them every day, I think it definitely helps,” Darnold said (h/t Minnesota Vikings). “Just experience being able to see the defense. You know, I’m sure they’ll have some different things. But [I’m] really excited about the opportunity.”
A seven-year NFL veteran, Darnold has suited up for four different teams. San Francisco’s Super Bowl LVIII appearance, though, has been his first and only visit to the league’s marquee event so far.
Darnold had daily repetitions against NFL All-Pros such as Fred Warner and Charvarius Ward, leading the quarterback to ultimately learn much about himself and schemes even without guaranteed playing time each week.
“The physicality that they play with and the speed that they play with,” Darnold cited as two standout aspects of the 49ers’ defense. “Obviously, they have a great scheme, and they play it really, really well. … The different ways that they’re able to disguise coverages presents certain problems — obviously, schematically, but for a quarterback’s eyes. If you hitch one too many times, there’s a pretty good pass rush coming at you as well.
“Fred’s a great player. They got really good players all around on the defense. Fred being in the middle there and being able to fly around and make plays the way he does, attack the ball the way he does, it’s tough to find a better one than him at that mic position.”
NFL reps are NFL reps. But facing San Francisco’s talent is just different.
Darnold made the most of his 49ers experience. And because of it, he is ready to face his old pals when it counts.
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