Sam Darnold had perhaps his best game in the NFL last week when he made his debut for the Minnesota Vikings against the New York Giants. He carried that confidence into the team’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

After his defense made a great stop on fourth down, Darnold was back on his own 3-yard line when head coach Kevin O’Connell decided to make a risky move that sent star receiver Justin Jefferson charging down the field.

So instead of creating more space with a shorter play, Darnold showed off his cannon of an arm and threw the ball deep downfield to Jefferson, who had distance with his 49ers defenders.

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a 97-yard touchdown pass over San Francisco 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown (27) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP photo/Abbie Parr)

Darnold’s pass was beautiful and landed right on time for Jefferson.

However, Jefferson’s agility and lightning speed were not fully demonstrated until after the catch.

SAM DARNOLD’S REVIVAL SEASON STARTS OFF STRONG, WHILE OTHER QBS STRUGGLE TO FIND FOOT

Jefferson set up a shot by running to his left, quickly stopping it and sprinting toward the right pillar as San Francisco defenders tried to take him down.

But the 49ers failed to get the job done as Jefferson scored a 97-yard touchdown, completely catching the 49ers by surprise.

It was the Vikings’ longest scoring run as a team since 2008, when Bernard Berrian scored a 99-yard touchdown from Gus Frerotte.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images)

Darnold was named the Vikings’ starting center after rookie JJ McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus that will keep him out for the rest of the season. O’Connell entrusted the veteran with his weapon-laden offense.

That was evident in Week 1 on the road against the Giants, with Darnold throwing for 208 yards on a very efficient 19-of-24 passing with two touchdowns and one interception. And on one of those touchdown passes against New York, Darnold showed off that raw arm strength when he fired a ball to Jalen Nailor down the right sideline, knowing he was about to get hit by a defender.

But the power of Darnold, the third overall pick of the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft, was never in question. This miss for Jefferson is just one example.

The Vikings defeated the tough 49ers on “Monday Night Football” last season, with San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy struggling to get going.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at US Bank Stadium. (Brad Rempel-Imagn Images)

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Darnold hopes this trend continues and these types of moves against Jefferson will be crucial to pulling off the big surprise.

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