Vikings Teammate Sends Clear Message on JJ McCarthy
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The Minnesota Vikings and quarterback J.J. McCarthy are heading into the 2025 NFL season facing major questions.
After a 2024 season that saw the Vikings finish the year with a 14-3 record and be one of the best teams in the NFL, there are a lot of expectations. McCarthy, who will be heading into his first year as the starting quarterback, will have big shoes to fill.
Last season, Sam Darnold was the starting quarterback in Minnesota. He threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, while completing 66.2 percent of his pass attempts.
J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on in the second quarter of the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on in the second quarter of the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Photo byMcCarthy missed all of his rookie season in 2024 due to a knee injury. He was unable to get on the field reps, which would have been valuable for him.
Read more: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Doesn't Hold Back About Mike Tomlin
Despite that fact, the Vikings are full of confidence when it comes to McCarthy.
Minnesota had an opportunity to pursue a one-year deal with Aaron Rodgers. It passed on that chance to stay loyal to McCarthy.
What kind of player should the Vikings expect McCarthy to be? One of his teammates spoke out with a clear message about the second-year signal caller.
During an interview on CBS, running back Aaron Jones opened up about McCarthy.
"He has a strong arm, he's mobile, athletic... he's super athletic," Jones said.
His last meaningful time on the field was with the Michigan Wolverines in college. McCarthy led that team to a national championship win under the leadership of Jim Harbaugh. He's hoping to bring those winnings ways with him to Minnesota.
There is never an easy way to predict what a young quarterback will become in the NFL. McCarthy is a major question mark.
Read more: Browns HC Gives Shedeur Sanders Training Camp Update
On one hand, he could be the driving force that takes the Vikings to the Super Bowl. Perhaps he can put together a similar or even better season to the one that Darnold had last year. Or, he could end up struggling and Minnesota might take a big step in the wrong direction.
Clearly, the Vikings are all-in on him. They believe in his ability and will get their first look at him when the 2025 NFL season kicks off.
Hopefully, he'll be able to rise to the occasion and put to rest all of the questions that have been surrounding him.
For more on the Minnesota Vikings and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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