After missing his entire rookie season due to a meniscus injury, Minnesota Vikings’ 10th overall pick JJ McCarthy finally took the field in a preseason game against the Houston Texans on Saturday. The 22-year-old’s return brought a mix of emotion and promise, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise as they look to him to lead their offense in 2024.
JJ McCarthy displayed composure early on, quietly leading a 13-play opening drive that resulted in points. Completing 4 of 7 passes for 30 yards and adding an 8-yard rush, his calm demeanor during the national anthem and on the field impressed both fans and team officials alike.
Coaching Staff Praises McCarthy’s Poise, But Pressure Remains High
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell commended McCarthy for showing the composure and poise expected of a franchise quarterback. With veteran Sam Darnold no longer in the picture, O’Connell has committed fully to the Michigan alum as the team’s starting QB, raising the stakes significantly for the young player.
Though McCarthy’s preseason action was brief, expectations are enormous. While performing well in August is encouraging, the real challenge will be sustaining that performance throughout the regular season, especially with the Vikings vying for dominance in the NFC North and playoff contention.
Gronkowski and Edelman Discuss Vikings’ Prospects and McCarthy’s Potential
On the latest episode of the podcast Dudes on Dudes, former NFL stars Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman weighed in on whether the Vikings would surpass eight wins this year, centering much of the discussion on McCarthy’s readiness.
Gronkowski expressed optimism about O’Connell’s leadership and the roster’s talent, describing McCarthy’s situation as a “rookie plus” year. He compared McCarthy to NBA player Ben Simmons, who sat out his first year and then won Rookie of the Year.
Julian Edelman, however, took a more cautious stance. He highlighted concerns over McCarthy’s limited college passing attempts and reminded listeners that starting the season without key receiver Jordan Addison, who is suspended for the first three games, adds extra obstacles.
“It’s one of those ones where… they have a rookie quarterback that we have no clue how he’s going to do,”
—Julian Edelman
“We’re just going to assume that the kid’s going to come in and win a lot of games like that? This is really his rookie year,”
—Julian Edelman
When Gronkowski noted the Ben Simmons comparison, Edelman quickly added a warning:
“But I hope he doesn’t become Ben Simmons.”
—Julian Edelman
The Ben Simmons Comparison and Its Implications for McCarthy’s Development
Edelman’s caution stems from Simmons’ NBA career trajectory, which began with high expectations and early success but was eventually hindered by injuries and declining confidence. Simmons’ unmet potential serves as a reminder of the risks facing young athletes thrust into leadership roles too quickly.
For the Vikings, the development of their franchise quarterback is critical. They cannot afford delays or setbacks similar to those experienced by Simmons if they hope to build a winning team around McCarthy’s talent and maturity.
The Road Ahead for JJ McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings
While McCarthy’s initial preseason showing showcased the skills and calm demeanor Minnesota anticipated when drafting him, this early promise must transform into consistent performance over the full NFL campaign. The Vikings’ playoff hopes and status within the NFC North hinge on their rookie quarterback’s ability to handle pressure and deliver results week after week.
As the regular season approaches, all eyes will remain on JJ McCarthy, watching closely to see if he can avoid the pitfalls that have stalled other young stars’ careers and instead lead Minnesota toward success.