Throughout the preseason in 2024, Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee harm. He wanted surgical procedure and was on the bench your complete yr.
That pressured Sam Darnold to be their starter final season. Minnesota didn’t re-sign Darnold this offseason with the intention of McCarthy being the starter in 2025. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has proven reward for the younger QB in his first season of actual motion. Talking with NFL insider Dianna Russini, O’Connell talked about the stress of growing J.J. McCarthy into their long-term QB.
Can QB whisperer Kevin O’Connell make J.J. McCarthy a star?
Kevin O’Connell on if he thinks there’s an impatience from #Vikings followers on JJ McCarthy:
“I anticipate there to be reactions, constructive and unfavourable. Our aim is to win soccer video games, and JJ goes to play a job in that… All with an understanding of the muse of growing… pic.twitter.com/Wc2GZpbSH3
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 15, 2025
With the tenth decide within the 2024 NFL draft, the Vikings chosen QB J.J. McCarthy out of Michigan. Within the workforce’s first preseason sport of 2024, McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee harm. He was pressured to overlook his total first season, however is ready to be Minnesota’s starter in 2025. This offseason is all about hypothesis for J.J. McCarthy. Can he shortly adapt to the NFL and hold the Vikings a contender within the NFC?
Vikings followers are optimistic about McCarthy’s probability of succeeding. That’s as a result of they’ve QB whisperer Kevin O’Connell. He’s helped QBs attain their full potential in his system. This consists of Kirk Cousins, Josh Dobbs, and Sam Darnold. After being seemed over as a starter, O’Connell helped Sam Darnold and the Vikings go 14-3 final season.
Right now was EASILY #Vikings QB JJ McCarthy’s greatest day of observe. He was carving the #Patriots protection from the beginning. No turnovers. Nice resolution making.
Minnesota, we now have our QB. pic.twitter.com/NILupEj78H
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 14, 2025
The previous second total decide loved probably the most profitable season of his profession underneath O’Connell. Together with his observe report, Vikings followers are assured he can get probably the most out of McCarthy. In faculty, Michigan had a run-first offense. That won’t be the case for McCarthy in Minnesota. He has one of many sport’s greatest receivers to throw to.
Having Justin Jefferson at WR is a luxurious not many QBs get to have. Final season, Jefferson had 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. Throughout his senior season at Michigan, J.J. McCarthy handed for two,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. His 72.3 completion proportion led all QBs within the Huge 10 in 2023. He’s an correct passer, however head coach Kevin O’Connell has made feedback about McCarthy needing to layer his throws. All issues that O’Connell can assist the younger QB work on.
