Sam Darnold connects with Justin Jefferson, enjoys Vikings debut - ESPN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Minnesota Vikings had just completed their longest drive in 16 years on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium — one punctuated by a pair of laser throws from quarterback Sam Darnold to receiver Justin Jefferson — when coach Kevin O'Connell stole a knowing glance at Jefferson.

«I saw Justin's face after that drive,» O'Connell said, «and I think he felt pretty darn good about who is throwing him the football.»

In his Vikings debut, Darnold produced one of the best games of his career by connecting on his first 12 throws and finishing with 19 completions in 24 attempts for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Were it not for a third-quarter interception caused by a hit as he threw, his passer rating would have been a career-high 130.6.

External uncertainty about Darnold's aptitude as a full-time starter is largely why the Vikings are a consensus pick to finish last in the NFC North. But at least on this day, Darnold utilized the Vikings' playmakers while avoiding the mistakes that plagued him earlier in his career during stints with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers.

«The biggest thing is just playing with confidence,» Darnold said. «I think that's the biggest thing. We've got a great offense. We've got a great system. If I just play on time and do all the things we need to do to execute, we'll be alright.»

Jefferson has been exhorting Darnold to be confident throughout training camp, to trust not only his arm and his reads but also in Jefferson himself. The pair demonstrated their progress on a second-and-10 play from the Vikings' 10-yard line midway through the second quarter. Despite two Giants defenders chasing Jefferson down the field, Darnold lofted a long pass — one that O'Connell said was