Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell recently shared insights into the development of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, highlighting the lessons learned during the 2024 season as McCarthy recovered from a full meniscus repair surgery. Despite missing the entire year due to injury, McCarthy remained actively involved in game plan meetings alongside O’Connell, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, and other staff members, which has shaped the team’s confidence in McCarthy’s readiness to succeed Sam Darnold at quarterback this coming September.

During an interview with ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, O’Connell explained how these interactions laid the groundwork for McCarthy’s transition into a starting role, noting the young quarterback‘s engagement and mental preparation throughout the recovery period.

O’Connell’s Mentorship Helped McCarthy Stay Connected and Grow

Coach O’Connell prioritized maintaining a strong rapport with McCarthy during his rehabilitation, sometimes discussing football, other times focusing on broader matters, despite a demanding schedule.

“I just wanted to give him a platform with me,” O’Connell said about working with McCarthy last season. “Maybe it was football one day. Maybe it was no football. My time is very hard to find during the season, but I just wanted to make sure that we got together. The one thing I learned about him in those meetings is he had great questions, and that validated that he was receiving and getting something out of that time. And as I’ve told him, it doesn’t really guarantee you anything, but once you’re fighting the fight on a daily basis of growing within the system, he would be able to rely on some of what we did together.”

This approach provided McCarthy with a foundation of understanding the Vikings’ system and culture while he was sidelined, reinforcing his ability to contribute once cleared to play. O’Connell emphasized that continuous effort and growth within the system are essential for McCarthy’s future success beyond mere participation in meetings.

Changing Quarterback Landscape for the Vikings

At the start of the year, Minnesota’s plan seemed to rely on veteran quarterback Sam Darnold, who led the Vikings to an impressive 14-2 record before the team’s season ended in a disappointing fashion. The Vikings lost back-to-back contests culminating in a 27-9 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card playoff round, raising questions about Darnold’s future with the team.

Despite ongoing speculation, the Vikings did not make significant moves to re-sign Darnold before he accepted a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Interestingly, the Seahawks’ agreement includes an option freeing them from the contract as early as next offseason. Meanwhile, O’Connell briefly considered bringing in veteran Aaron Rodgers to start over McCarthy but ultimately the Vikings passed on making an offer, and Rodgers later signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

McCarthy Reflects on His Recovery and Mental Preparation

With McCarthy stepping into his first training camp as the Vikings’ presumed starting quarterback, the rookie openly acknowledged the challenge of enduring an extended injury layoff and expressed gratitude for the chance to focus on the mental game during his recovery.

“I haven’t had an injury like this that sat me down for so long,” McCarthy said ahead of training camp. “And I was very grateful for the opportunity that I had to really get a head start on the mental side of the game. Getting on the same page with [O’Connell] has been awesome. Last season, seeing how he calls the games and everything like that, as well as the intricate personality traits of the guys on the team — and him being able to feed those that help strengthen the overall group and help strengthen them individually — and be there for them when some things aren’t going their way.”

McCarthy emphasized the importance of understanding the coaching style and team dynamics while sidelined, which has better equipped him to handle the responsibility of leading the Vikings moving forward.

Outlook and Expectations for McCarthy’s Return

As the 2024 season approaches, betting odds at DraftKings Sportsbook place McCarthy fifth among candidates to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award, highlighting widespread recognition of the hurdles he has overcome. Additionally, Minnesota holds +1300 odds to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LX, underscoring the team’s optimism for a strong season.

If McCarthy fulfills the potential observed by O’Connell and the Vikings coaching staff, Minnesota supporters may witness a memorable season driven by the rookie’s growth and determination to succeed after a difficult first year.