MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Sam Darnold is playing the best football of his career, and now he has the numbers to back it up.

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears 30-27 in overtime at Soldier Field on Sunday, with Darnold leading the winning drive. Darnold had to come to the rescue after the Bears scored 11 points in the final 22 seconds to force overtime.

Darnold then drove them 68 yards in the extra session to set up Parker Romo’s winning field goal. Darnold threw for 330 yards, his first 300 yard game of the season and two touchdowns.

“Show me someone who had a better game at the quarterback position. That kind of play under those conditions on the road in the NFC North, not just Sam, but our entire team, these guys are a really tough group,” Vikings said -coach Kevin. said O’Connell.

Why it matters

Darnold had five total interceptions in wins over the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars. He has now gone two straight games without a turnover, and has four touchdowns in his last two games.

O’Connell gave him a game ball on Sunday. He now has 21 touchdowns in a single season in his career. His previous high was 19 in 2019.

“What a resilient win from everyone in that locker room. I’m very proud of that,” Darnold said.

For the first time in 24 years, the Vikings had a 300-yard passer, a 100-yard rusher (Aaron Jones) and two 100-yard receivers.

What his teammates say

Darnold hit Jordan Addison eight times for 162 yards and a touchdown. He hit TJ Hockenson seven times for 114 yards. He was sacked three times, had to change helmets due to a communication problem and left the game twice with an injury in the fourth quarter.

Addison, Brian O’Neill, Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard all raved about Darnold after the win.

Addison: “I didn’t have to say anything. He knows what all these receivers in the building can do when we get our opportunities. Today was just my day, appreciate Sam for throwing dimes and I’m always going to stick up for him.”

O’Neill: “He’s a warrior, stayed strong and made some big plays, made some big throws. He saved us and he played great, so happy to have him on our team.”

Cashman: “Honestly, when I look at any part of the game and see him making shots, I want him to get the respect he deserves because he works harder than anyone in this league. He made one throw and I was like that he was an idiot.”

Greenard: “Sam doesn’t care, man. You can tell Sam he’s soft, he’s tough, he doesn’t care. He’ll just be Sam, and that’s why I love him. He can weather any storm, that’s why We are all rallying behind him.”