49ers CB throws shade at Vikings QB Sam Darnold ahead of Week 2 clash - "He likes to throw the ball to me"
Sam Darnold has a serious task on hand this Sunday as his Minnesota Vikings host the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran quarterback was thrust into the starting role after a season-ending knee injury to rookie JJ McCarthy. Darnold impressed against the New York Giants on September 8 with two touchdowns and one interception.
However, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir is already starting the mind games against his former teammate of one year. During Friday's practice, he told reporters:
"I think I win that (matchup) for sure. Me and Sam, we have this connection, where he likes to throw the ball to me... He gave us great looks when he played here with us, just taking over the scout team, he was throwing dimes."
Sam Darnold believes experience with 49ers will help him in Week 2 matchup
Meanwhile, Sam Darnold had this to say about whether his knowledge of the 49ers' schemes will constitute an advantage when they clash:
“I think just seeing them every day, I think it definitely helps. Just experience, being able to see the defense, but I’m sure they’ll have some different things. But again, like I said, really excited about the opportunity.”
Darnold also expressed gratitude towards the organization for giving him a chance when most figured he would be done after a disappointing season with the San Francisco 49ers last season.
"It was great to be able to be a part of [it] for a year," Sam Darnold said (per Yahoo Sports) "And to be able to have the season that we had last year was amazing to be a part of."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, meanwhile, expressed his love for his former quarterback (per Yahoo Sports):
"He was an awesome guy, he’s been that way everywhere he’s been and we found that out personally here, always liked Sam before he got here, just his talent level from college and what you had seen in the NFL. Was exactly as good as advertised."
Starter Brock Purdy also praised Darnold, calling him "the man" (per Athlon Sports):
“I’ve told everybody that I absolutely love Sam and who he is as a person, what he’s done for this team and the quarterback room last year, for Brandon (Allen) and I... He’s very talented, he’s in a great situation, great offense, great players around him.”
The Vikings/49ers game will kick off at 1 PM ET/12PM CT/10 AM PT on CBS.