Kevin O'Connell's ‘challenge' to J.J. McCarthy before crowning QB1
The post Kevin O'Connell's 'challenge' to J.J. McCarthy before crowning QB1 appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The Minnesota Vikings were one of the best stories in the NFL during the 2024 season. Minnesota shocked the world by winning 14 games with Sam Darnold at quarterback. Could the Vikings do the same thing in 2025 under second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy?
Advertisement
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell made it clear in a recent interview that he has not crowned McCarthy as the team's starter yet.
O'Connell also referenced Malcolm Gladwell's '10,000 hours rule' when talking about McCarthy.
'I feel really good about where he's at fundamentally,' O'Connell said. 'But it's still those 10,000 reps, those 10,000 hours, and we're not that far into that process, and I challenge him every day to embrace it. [He] can't be too hard on himself, but at the same time, 'What is your standard to get not where you are right now, but where you want to get to?' And he's done a good job of attacking that every day.'
For those who are unfamiliar, Gladwell's rule is that it takes 10,000 hours of dedicated practice to master a complex skill.
Advertisement
McCarthy's season-ending injury before the 2024 season limited his number of reps during his rookie year. McCarthy had the opportunity to process the team's offense mentally throughout the season, which should put him a step ahead this fall.
Regardless, McCarthy should have an easy time winning the starting job in training camp later this summer.
Vikings encouraged by J.J. McCarthy's recent injury progress heading into the summer
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
It is fair that the Vikings want to see more from McCarthy before they call him their starter.
Thankfully, McCarthy is apparently in great shape while he recovers from last year's season-ending injury.
Advertisement
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted in a recent article that Minnesota is encouraged by the progress McCarthy has made in his recovery this offseason.
'The Vikings feel that J.J. McCarthy in day nine of his offseason workouts was a lot stronger than day one,' Fowler said. 'Coming off that knee issue, they knew he could start a little slowly, but they like the way he's throwing the ball. They feel very comfortable with where he's at going into training camp; they didn't sign [Aaron Rodgers] in lieu of McCarthy because they believe in their three-year plan… They believe they can win the Super Bowl in the next three years.'
Fowler snuck in a bold statement there that Minnesota believes they can win a Super Bowl over the next three seasons.
It will be fascinating to see if the Vikings recapture the same magic they had in 2024 later this fall.
Related: JJ McCarthy blames Michigan 'stigma' for 'public doubt'
Related: 2 Vikings veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Local radio hosts look back on Commanders trade for Marshon Lattimore
"What type of a deal does it look like the Commanders made for Marshon Lattimore?" "Grant and Danny" of 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C., took a segment earlier in the week to discuss the Washington Commanders' trade for Lattimore last season, and some are not pleased with the show hosts. The YouTube comments section reveals several have voiced their frustration and that they are upset with Paulsen and Rouhier, accusing them of trashing the organization, always being negative, etc. Having been raised in the DMV, I can agree with the sentiment that the local fan base does not want those in the local sports media (print, radio or television) who are always negative and criticizing the local team. I can think of a few over the years who did just that, and it became their schtick. That is, they weren't from the area originally, were hired by a local company and loved to get under the skin of the fan base. However, that is certainly not the case with Paulsen and Rouhier. These two guys have more than proven they want the local teams to succeed. They are unashamed to admit, they gladly root for the local teams and enjoy doing so. So, what exactly were Grant & Danny conveying that upset fans regarding the Marshon Lattimore trade? The Baltimore Ravens signed former Packers corner Jaire Alexander, whom the Packers had released. The Ravens only had to pay him $6M for the 2025 season. Paulsen began the entire segment by stating this was a smart, savvy deal by the Ravens. Paulsen then understandably compared the two acquisitions, conveying that both Lattimore and Alexander had been very successful corners who were also battling injuries last season. The Ravens patiently waited and obtained Alexander while his stock was down. The Commanders, on the other hand, insisted on purchasing Lattimore midseason in 2024 and paid much more. Had they made the trade this offseason, they certainly would not have needed to spend third, fourth, and sixth-round selections in the 2025 draft. In addition, Paulsen and Rouhier then added that though the Ravens are paying Alexander only $6M, the Commanders are signing checks for $18M to Lattimore. Of course, they both said they would rather have Alexander and his contract. What do you expect them to say? Do you want them to sell their souls the way so many in the print and television media do today, masquerading as "journalists," but always spinning a story, ignoring stories in whatever way they can to help their political allegiances? Of course, Paulsen and Rouhier want the Commanders to win big in 2025. They want Marshon Lattimore to have a great season wearing burgundy and gold. They are not rooting against Lattimore, nor are they rooting against GM Adam Peters, because of this trade. They are saying the trade "thus far" does not look good. Yet, they have a job to do, and that is to be prepared daily to present to their listeners quality programming. Shouldn't such programming involve thought-provoking content? Do we in the DMV want all Commanders media personalities to be merely cheerleaders? Don't you want them to do some actual reporting, analyzing and critiquing from time to time? It was a good segment. Although it obviously did not please some in the fan base, it was good radio and good commentary, as valid concerns were raised. There are some of us who recognize that the DMV programs should bring honesty to their broadcasts, which will naturally result in times of praise and cheer, along with times of concern and job, Grant & Danny. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: A new signing has radio hosts looking back on Commanders trade
CBS News
28 minutes ago
- CBS News
Local businesses, fans make final preparations for Florida Panthers' championship parade and celebration
Thousands are expected to descend on Fort Lauderdale Beach Sunday to celebrate the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. More people are expected to be at the celebration this year compared to last, so businesses and fans are gearing up for the big day. Fans and businesses are making last-minute moves Brian Broeckelmann said he couldn't make last year's Panthers championship parade. "I actually had to work," he said. But he gets a second chance, and said he isn't missing this year's parade. He's getting some last-minute Panthers gear for him and his family at Sinbad Sports. Broeckelmann said he thought the first championship was a once-in-a-lifetime event. "Yeah, except this team is pretty special," Broeckelmann said. Owner Sinbad Elhaddad said he ordered more gear this year. The City of Fort Lauderdale said more people are expected to go this year. He told CBS News Miami that the Stanley Cup Championships have boosted sales by about 30%. "From last year, people are still coming and asking for last year's gear," Elhaddad said. "Now they're gonna be asking for back-to-back." How to travel for the parade and celebrations City officials are recommending that parade-goers use ride-share services, since driving can be difficult. The city has a map that shows 26 different parking garages that are open, but city officials say they can be anywhere from a 5-minute to an hour walk from the parade. So instead of all that hassle, you could take the water taxi. Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi president Greg Farley said he has 15 boats that will all be running Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and he said they can all carry a combined 1200 people. He told CBS News Miami it's more economical and fun to travel this way. "It will be $15 all day," Farley said. "So Passengers will get a wristband before they board the boat for the first time and they can get on and off as much as they want throughout the day." The Water Taxi route map is here. On State Road A1A, the barricades are set up and the stage is being built. Joe Donovan and his wife are visiting from Boston; their hotel is right on the parade route, so they'll catch the team marching down the strip before flying home Sunday night. "We've been to championship parades before in Boston, but we've never been to one on the beach," Donovan said.
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Karken cut deal to send Burakovsky to Chicago for Veleno
The Seattle Kraken announced on Saturday that they will exchange forward Andre Burakovsky for Chicago Blackhawks forward Joe Veleno. The information on the trade came through a press release from the team. Advertisement 'Andre was a valuable player for our organization during the three years he was here, and we wish him and his family the best of luck in Chicago,' said Botterill. 'In return, we've acquired a young player with experience while also increasing our salary cap flexibility moving forward,' said Seattle Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill. Burakovsky's $5.5 million salary cap on the remaining two seasons of his five-year contract with the Kraken freed up money for the team next season. Veleno joined Blackhawks last season after spending four season with the Deriot Red Wings. Burakovsky was signed as a free agent by the Kraken on July 13, 2022.
