J.J. McCarthy Is A Perfect Match For The Minnesota Vikings
The marriage between the Minnesota Vikings and J.J. McCarthy was predicted in countless mock drafts leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. Adding the Michigan quarterback made sense for Minnesota, especially after Kirk Cousins' departure.
Here’s a closer look at the newest addition to the Vikings QB room and what you can expect from J.J. McCarthy this season.
McCarthy Is A Winner
If you’ve followed him at all throughout his football career, one thing is clear: J.J. McCarthy is a winner. In two seasons at Nazareth Academy – where McCarthy played his high school ball for two years – the team had a 26-2 record and won a state title in 2018. In 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, McCarthy transferred to IMG Academy. That team went a perfect 8-0.
The winning didn’t stop once McCarthy made the jump to NCAA football. Despite playing backup to Cade McNamara during his freshman season, McCarthy was quick to impress the Wolverine’s coaching staff and became the full-time starter in Week Two of the 2022 season. Michigan won 13 games that year, losing in the Fiesta Bowl to TCU, 51-45.
Last year was the big one for McCarthy. He completed 72.3% of his passes for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions. The Wolverines had a flawless 15-0 record and marched their way to a National Championship.
What To Expect From McCarthy In Year One With The Vikings
While I wouldn’t be surprised if Sam Darnold gets a few starts early in the season, I think McCarthy will be the go-to guy sooner rather than later. Kevin O’Connell seems to love him, and Kewsi Adofo-Mensah ensured KOC got his guy.
I believe Minnesota was the perfect landing spot for the rookie quarterback because he isn’t going to be asked to do everything. He’s got a great supporting staff, which isn’t the case for many rookies entering the league. Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Addison give him plenty of offensive weapons, which should make his transition to the NFL a tad easier.
The NFC North is going to be a tough division this year; each game will be a fight. But I have faith in McCarthy, and I fully believe that the future is bright in Minnesota with him at the helm.
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