Josh Metellus offers praise to J.J. McCarthy with a unique player comp
Josh Metellus offers praise to J.J. McCarthy with a unique player comp
Media members and players have praised J.J. McCarthy's arm since the Minnesota Vikings hit the practice field last month. Count Josh Metellus as the latest to offer his thoughts on McCarthy.
On Tuesday, the do-it-all safety/linebacker/cornerback/social-media phenom for the Vikings told reporters that McCarthy has an arm as good as any quarterback he's seen, including an infamous backup Vikings quarterback.
"He has one of the best zips I've seen since being in the league, and I've been around some guys who could sling it," Metellus said, according to Sports Illustrated's Will Ragatz. "Shoutout to Sean Mannion, he was slinging it. He had a great arm. But yeah, (J.J.) throws the ball as good as I've been around. He can put the ball where he wants to."
Metellus meant for the entire quote to be positive. Yet the comparison to Mannion, who threw for 315 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions in two starts with the Vikings, didn't come across as the most ringing endorsement to fans.
Mannion's last start with the team came in the penultimate game of the 2021 season. The Vikings, 7-8, were heading to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers, needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Unfortunately, Kirk Cousins had to miss the game after testing positive for COVID-19.
The Vikings were embarrassed 37-10, with Mannion completing 22/36 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown. He was briefly benched for rookie Kellen Mond, who completed 2/3 passes for five yards, before the Vikings re-inserted Mannion into the lineup. It led to one of the coldest Mike Zimmer quotes of his entire tenure.
Whether fans believe Mannion had a great arm or not, it's encouraging to continue hearing about McCarthy's arm strength. Everyone knows he has good intangibles. If he can harness his arm and use it with accuracy, McCarthy could have a breakout season as the Vikings' starting quarterback.
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