Vikings Coach Breaks Silence on JJ McCarthy's Progress
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The Minnesota Vikings and second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy are a major topic of discussion within the NFL. Leading up to the 2025 season, there are many questions swirling about whether or not he can be a true franchise quarterback.
Sam Darnold put together a strong season in 2024. He led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, but the run came up short in the playoffs. Minnesota lost in the Wild Card round to the Los Angeles Rams.
Heading into the offseason, keeping Darnold was viewed as a legitimate option. However, he chose to sign with the Seattle Seahawks on a three-year, $100.5 million contract.
J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during training camp on August 02, 2024 in Eagan, Minnesota.
J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during training camp on August 02, 2024 in Eagan, Minnesota.
Photo byAfter Darnold chose to leave town, rumors circled around the Vikings and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He was reportedly very interested in playing for Minnesota, but the team opted to stick with McCarthy and pass on Rodgers.
Read more: Vikings Emerge as Possible Landing Spot for Packers Star
Now, all of the pressure is on the young quarterback to lead the team to wins. He hasn't taken a single NFL regular season snap, but has been handed the keys to the franchise.
There is no denying the elite talent and potential that McCarthy possesses. There is a good chance he could live up to the hype and keep the Vikings in contention. But, there is also a chance that it's too early and he could fail.
Minnesota offensive coordinator Wes Phillips spoke out on Wednesday and offered a major update about the second-year quarterback and his progression.
"I think (J.J.) is right where he needs to be right now," Phillips said. "And right where we thought he'd be. I don't think he'd come up here and say he mastered the offense. Every rep is a learning rep."
Read more: Vikings Fans Will Be Livid Over This Stunning Prediction
It's clear that the Vikings are still confident in their young quarterback. On the outside, there are a lot of questions, but the team feels comfortable with the situation. That is good news for Minnesota.
McCarthy does have the luxury of having Justin Jefferson to work with. He also has Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. Aaron Jones in the backfield will take a lot of pressure off of the young signal caller as well.
While there is undoubtedly a lot of pressure on McCarthy, the Vikings have put him in the best situation possible. Hopefully, he's able to come out and prove the team right for passing on Rodgers or any other option and giving him the chance to prove himself in 2025.
For more Minnesota Vikings and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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Two undrafted players, specifically, staked their claims in the last month: cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn and receiver/returner Silas Bolden. Vaughn consistently positioned himself near the ball and reacted comfortably in coverage. He even mixed in Thursday with the starters. Bolden, meanwhile, caught most of the passes directed his way and fielded both kicks and punts. Vaughn might be competing with former undrafted corner Dwight McGlothern, and Bolden's skills might be juxtaposed alongside Rondale Moore, who has yet to fully join in the practice mix. In the return phase, the Vikings also tested two other newcomers. Rodgers returned kicks in Indianapolis and even housed one in 2020. He glided through blockers, and Jefferson mentioned the impact he could make in the phase. Third-round receiver Tai Felton also worked with the return group alongside fellow wideout Jalen Nailor. 6. Some final nuggets: • Veteran quarterback Sam Howell, whom the Vikings acquired during the draft, completed his best pass in a Vikings uniform Thursday: a deep corner route to Felton. He has zero trouble applying trajectory to passes, but his decision-making will continue to be the key question. • Former University of Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer received a couple of reps each day and appeared comfortable. His arm strength pales in comparison with McCarthy's, but he typically got rid of the ball in rhythm. 'Max is as smart as any young player that I've been around,' O'Connell said Thursday. • Second-year edge rusher Dallas Turner strengthened his lower half this offseason. The Vikings positioned him off the ball in lots of reps this spring. His versatility adds to the potential spots he can play this fall. Advertisement • Jefferson asked third-year receiver Jordan Addison to work out with him in Miami over the next five weeks. Their relationship appears to be even closer than it has been in previous seasons. 'He's like lil bro,' Jefferson said Thursday. • Third-year safety Jay Ward is one of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's forgotten draft picks. Ward hasn't done much on special teams as a pro, but his secondary play this week stood out. He reacted quickly from depth and showed more confidence than in the past couple of seasons.
