In Eagan, Minnesota, the Minnesota Vikings are placing high hopes on J.J. McCarthy, their new quarterback, as they prepare for the upcoming <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season. Praised for his football intelligence and leadership, McCarthy is drawing comparisons to four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, offering fans renewed optimism about the Vikings’ championship potential with this revamped lineup.
Former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones, who played alongside Rodgers for six seasons, highlighted McCarthy’s mental sharpness and drive after a recent practice session. Jones believes McCarthy possesses a rare understanding of the game that places him in the same mental category as Rodgers, known for his exceptional ability to manipulate defenses and engineer plays at the line of scrimmage.
McCarthy’s Mental Edge Seen as Key to Vikings’ Future
Jones described McCarthy as “very, very hungry and driven,” adding that he is also “a leader.” He emphasized how McCarthy’s football IQ sets him apart:
“In terms of the smarts, I put him in that category with Aaron Rodgers, in terms of how smart he is and really having an understanding for the game.”
—Aaron Jones, Running Back
The mental facet of McCarthy’s game is vital, given Rodgers’ legendary ability to read defenses and create advantages after the snap. If McCarthy can emulate anything close to that level of cerebral football, the Vikings will boost their chances of competing for a championship. After a 14–3 season last year that narrowly missed a division title and home-field advantage, Minnesota is eager to maintain forward momentum with McCarthy at the helm.
This offseason marked a shift, as longtime quarterback Sam Darnold departed during free agency after throwing for over 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns last year. McCarthy, who was initially set to back up Darnold in 2024 but missed the season due to a torn meniscus, has now stepped into the starting role fully healthy. His rookie year will effectively continue as he adapts to running the Vikings’ offense as the lead quarterback.
During a recent light practice at the TCO Performance Center, McCarthy displayed moments of promise, including a precise throw to Jordan Addison in a red-zone drill. However, there were also signs of adjustment, such as hesitation seeking clarification on a play, underscoring the learning curve awaiting him as a starter.
Strengthening the Line to Support McCarthy’s Development
The Vikings have invested heavily in improving the offensive and defensive lines, understanding that protecting McCarthy is paramount to the team’s success. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah secured four key free agents: defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, guard Will Fries, and center Ryan Kelly. The quartet received a combined $103.4 million in guaranteed money to bolster Minnesota’s trenches ahead of the new season.
The importance of this upgrade is rooted in the failures of last season, where the Vikings allowed 22 quarterback hits and 11 sacks over the critical final regular-season and wild-card games. This lack of protection was a major factor in their playoff exit. The hope is that these acquisitions will stabilize the line, give McCarthy more time to operate, and reduce pressure on the offense.
Guard Will Fries praised the improvements, noting the benefit of going against elite defensive talent every day in practice:
“There are some really good players on that defensive side of the ball and it’s helping me get so much better going against Jonathan Allen, going against Hargrave. Those guys are freaks. Those guys are tremendous rushers, play really stout in the run game. I’m really thankful I’m about to go against those guys every snap because it makes me a better football player.”
—Will Fries, Guard
The offensive line’s health will also be tested with left tackle Christian Darrisaw’s return from a torn ACL and MCL, a crucial factor as the Vikings look to maintain cohesion and protect their young quarterback. The blend of a strengthened line and McCarthy’s growth promises a strong foundation for Minnesota’s bid in what is considered the NFL’s toughest division.
Defensive Standout Jonathan Greenard Makes Impact in Practice
One player making waves on the defensive side is Jonathan Greenard, who has demonstrated the traits of a Defensive Player of the Year candidate during training camp. Coach Kevin O’Connell’s team periods revealed Greenard’s explosive ability to pressure the quarterback, regularly beating the Vikings’ top offensive tackles.
Greenard’s speed and bend were on full display as he repeatedly got past both Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, creating near-sack situations that would have disrupted live play. Since signing a four-year, $76 million contract last offseason, Greenard solidified his role as a leading pass rusher for the Vikings, recording 12 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, and forcing four fumbles last year, contributing to the team’s defensive rankings in points allowed, pressure rate, and sacks.
Veteran Center Ryan Kelly Eases Transition for New QB
Adding stability to the center position, Ryan Kelly’s arrival brings valuable experience after nine productive years with the Indianapolis Colts and an extensive history of adapting to multiple quarterbacks. Kelly’s capability to develop communication and protection calls is vital to McCarthy’s success as he builds familiarity with the offensive system.
Will Fries, who played alongside Kelly for four years in Indianapolis, praised Kelly’s influence on and off the field:
“Coming to a new system and especially coming with a guy I know, Ryan Kelly, who has played in a lot of different systems, him helping me along … I think having him and Brian [O’Neill] next to me has been awesome.”
—Will Fries, Guard
Kelly’s skill set will likely be a quiet but crucial factor in setting McCarthy up for success, helping identify defensive schemes and ensuring strong protection at the line of scrimmage.
Bright Prospects in the Vikings’ Quarterback Depth Chart
While McCarthy remains the focal point of the quarterback room, rookie Max Brosmer has drawn attention for impressive throws during camp. The 24-year-old undrafted free agent, who played six years in college before transferring to Minnesota, showcased accuracy and composure during seven-on-seven drills and team sessions, connecting on tight routes and a 40-yard touchdown under pressure.
Brosmer’s performance in the preseason opener, where he completed five of eight passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, positions him as a potential depth option behind McCarthy. Despite average size and physical traits at 6’2″ and 217 pounds, his college experience and ability to make plays under pressure could prove valuable for the Vikings.
Running Back Depth Strengthened by Jordan Mason
In the backfield, veteran Jordan Mason is expected to play a significant role alongside starter Aaron Jones. Mason, acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for draft picks, impressed last season with a breakout year, rushing for 789 yards and scoring three touchdowns on a 5.2-yard average.
Mason brings a powerful and aggressive running style, combining size and speed to consistently gain positive yardage. With the Vikings’ coaching staff historically leaning heavily on their lead back, Mason’s arrival suggests a more balanced workload in the backfield in 2025, with Cam Akers and Ty Chandler playing smaller supporting roles.
Renewed Optimism for Vikings’ Championship Outlook
The return of J.J. McCarthy as the Vikings’ franchise quarterback, supported by a rebuilt offensive line and a tough defense, has reinvigorated expectations in Minnesota. The combination of mental acumen, leadership, and experienced teammates could elevate McCarthy’s rookie season into a development year worthy of anticipation.
Jones expressed confidence in the team’s collective readiness:
“He’s been amazing. I’m honestly confident in what we have here. I feel like we have everything we need, all the pieces we need here. I feel like J.J. is going to surprise a lot of people.”
—Aaron Jones, Running Back
After missing out on the division title despite a 14-win season, the Vikings look to make a deeper playoff run with renewed determination. The success of McCarthy and the upgraded roster will be central to Minnesota’s pursuit of a championship in one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions.