Latest news with #J.J. McCarthy
National Post
2 hours ago
- Sport
- National Post
NFL stars under pressure: Which players have the most to prove this season?
The pressure is on several big-name NFL players as they enter a season that will go a long way toward determining their playing futures — and possibly that of their teams. Article content New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields is getting another chance as a starter on his third team in five years, this time looking to help end the league's longest active playoff drought at 14 seasons. Article content Article content Article content Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence got a huge payday before last season — a five-year, $275 million contract extension, including $142 million guaranteed — but struggled with injury and inconsistency as the Jaguars missed the postseason. Article content Young quarterbacks such as Minnesota's J.J. McCarthy, Indianapolis' Anthony Richardson, Chicago's Caleb Williams and Carolina's Bryce Young are also in the spotlight. But it's not only the signal callers. Article content Buffalo running back James Cook, San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey, Dallas wide receiver George Pickens, Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts and New England defensive lineman Milton Williams are among a handful of NFL stars with something to prove because of injuries, mediocre play or needing to justify big contracts. Article content James Cook, RB, Bills Article content The star running back ended his contract standoff last Wednesday by signing a four-year deal that will pay him $48 million _ including $30 million in guaranteed money. Cook tied for the NFL lead with 16 touchdown runs last season, a breakout year for the 2022 second-rounder out of Georgia. He now must live up to that lofty contract while helping Josh Allen make Buffalo's offense roll. Article content Justin Fields, QB, Jets Article content Fields was a first-rounder in 2021 by Chicago, which hoped he was the Bears' franchise quarterback. He was gone after just three seasons, sent to Pittsburgh — where he went 4-2 for an injured Russell Wilson before heading to the bench for the veteran. He's now replacing Aaron Rodgers with the Jets, who signed him to a two-year, $40 million deal, installed him as their starter and believe his dual-threat playmaking ability is a perfect fit for their new-look offense. Article content Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars Article content The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft went to the Pro Bowl as an alternate in his second season with a breakout year, but hasn't been able to match that success. Lawrence played in only 10 games last season because of a shoulder injury and then a concussion. He's playing for a new coach in Liam Coen and is still considered a potential franchise quarterback. Two-way rookie sensation Travis Hunter should help, but Lawrence's health and consistency are the key to the Jaguars' success on offense.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
MN Vikings New Veteran Carted Off With Injury
The Minnesota Vikings kicked off their preseason action on Saturday against the Houston Texans. Of course the focal point was quarterback J.J. McCarthy and just how much he would play. The answer to that question was just 12 plays, though he drove the offense down the field to set up a Will Reichard field goal. After some back and forth, and the backups taking over, Minnesota forced Houston's first punt. Rondale Moore spurned the Chicago Bears to join the MN Vikings. He is among the leading options to return punts this season for Kevin O'Connell. Unfortunately he left on a cart after doing just that. Related Headlines Former MN Twins Swap Roster Spots on New Team Former GM Admits MN Twins Can't Keep Top Tier Talent Training Camp Stock Prices Skyrocketing for Select MN Vikings Rondale Moore leaves for Minnesota Vikings Last season Rondale Moore missed the entire season for the Atlanta Falcons after tearing his right ACL. The Texans punted to Minnesota, Moore returned the kick left-to-right, and never got up after being dragged down at the sideline. The tackle was awkward looking and seems like something between a hip-drop and horse collar variety. Moore immediately clutched his left knee area. As Moore was carted to the locker room, it was his left leg that was fully extended on the cart, with his right leg bent. He left the field with a towel over his head and multiple teammates expressed their emotions while the veteran wideout remained on the ground. Moore was a second round pick in 2021 out of Purdue. When healthy he has shown exceptional speed in the open field. Unfortunately he has missed significant time in two of his four professional seasons and this didn't look good either. Related: During Moore's final season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, he played in 17 games (8 starts) and tallied 352 receiving yards on 40 receptions. What now for MN Vikings receivers? The Minnesota Vikings were already growing thin at wide receiver. Justin Jefferson is currently nursing a hamstring injury. Jordan Addison is suspended for the first three games of the season. Rondale Moore was not in line to work as a top-three wide receiver, but he has significant snaps over the course of his career and was going to factor in on special teams. Minnesota should have already been considering alternative options. Now that seems like a certainty. Related: There are a few names that make a good deal of sense. There isn't a lot left on the open market, but general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah needs to leave no stone unturned. This roster is too talented to come up short on the fringes. Currently Over the Cap has the MN Vikings still hoarding nearly $25 million in cap space. There aren't a ton of straightforward places for them to use that, and one may have just presented itself. Related Headlines Former MN Twins Swap Roster Spots on New Team Former GM Admits MN Twins Can't Keep Top Tier Talent Training Camp Stock Prices Skyrocketing for Select MN Vikings
New York Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Vikings-Patriots joint practice: J.J. McCarthy's poise, quick decisions stand out
EAGAN, Minn. — They tend to save the best drill for last. It's not that the second-and-long sequences don't matter, and it's not like Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't glued to practice during the other periods. But a two-minute drill? In a joint practice setting against the New England Patriots? Informative. Advertisement J.J. McCarthy connected with tight end T.J. Hockenson over the middle. Then he dumped off a screen to running back Aaron Jones. A few negative plays placed the Vikings' offense in a third-and-long situation. McCarthy evaded the pass rush and escaped through the pocket, galloping up the right sideline for a scramble. The money play was next — the one that the offensive coaches are likely to celebrate behind the scenes. It was fourth down, and McCarthy, facing pressure from the middle, ripped an in-breaker to receiver Jordan Addison to convert the first. Addison noted the throw after practice, and right tackle Brian O'Neill highlighted the two-minute success when asked to provide his key takeaways. 'I thought it went pretty well today,' O'Neill said, speaking about the offense writ large. 'I thought we hit some really good stuff.' Hockenson's review? Similar. 'We were able to move the ball there pretty much the whole practice,' he said. McCarthy wasn't spotless. He sailed a pass intended for receiver Jalen Nailor during an early 7-on-7 situation; the throw was intercepted. Once, Hockenson snatched a pass that McCarthy would have admitted wasn't accurate enough. On another snap, two Patriots linebackers walked up to the line of scrimmage; McCarthy changed the play but was eventually engulfed in the pocket by what felt like a tidal wave. Another time, McCarthy hurled a deep ball toward Nailor into double coverage. The pass fell short. Head coach Kevin O'Connell described McCarthy's snaps in Saturday's preseason game as a checkpoint. Though the head coach views joint practices as the most important evaluation point of training camp, he discussed Wednesday as 'checkpoint two.' He sought improvement. He also knew there would be opportunities for learning moments. 'Those led us to where we are right now,' O'Connell said, 'which is feeling really good about where he's at.' Advertisement Pre-snap procedure isn't a sexy subject, but O'Connell sees it as the starting point to a professional operation. O'Neill complimented the way McCarthy effectively mixed up cadences Wednesday as a good sign. O'Neill also said that McCarthy stepped into the huddle with energy in instances where the Vikings had struggled to find footing in the previous plays. 'He just felt totally in control out there to me,' O'Neill said. 'There's not some magic lightbulb or phrase other than: he was in control. I felt like he was running the show.' McCarthy seemed dialed in early. He found Addison on a comeback route in one of the first 7-on-7 snaps, and then came back to Addison on an intermediate throw two plays later. Maybe the most encouraging sign was his quick trigger. There were a few would-be sacks, but McCarthy rarely held the ball. Seeing the field does not seem to be an issue. Thursday's practice, featuring extensive red-zone work, will offer more hints at McCarthy's status. The space shrinks. Convicted decision-making is paramount. Then the two teams will end with another two-minute drill, offering O'Connell yet another snapshot at what this Vikings offense might be capable of. The Vikings view the run game as a key ingredient to what they watch to accomplish in 2025. It's a major reason why they revamped the interior of the offensive line. It's why they traded for running back Jordan Mason. Minnesota does not see it as a way to minimize McCarthy's capabilities, but to allow him to develop optimally. O'Connell's commitment to the phase has been evident in training camp. The Vikings have handed the ball off consistently, and there have been holes. It was tougher sledding Wednesday. Mason and Jones didn't have much room to work, though it's worth noting elite left tackle Christian Darrisaw is still not a full participant. Advertisement Evaluating the run is also a challenge without live tackling. Mentioning this is more an acknowledgement of how massive it is going to be for the Vikings to control the ball on the ground. It is worth saying that the screen game looks crisper than it has in past years. This is likely a reflection of a more adaptive interior, as well as a focus from the staff. The Vikings executed a 15-yard screen in the two-minute period, with McCarthy finding Jones. Earlier in the afternoon, rookie first-round pick Donovan Jackson beelined up the field ahead of Jones, seeing only green grass. 'He gave me the go call,' Jackson said. 'I took off running, but I'm like, 'I don't know who I'm running to.'' He spotted Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins and mowed him over like a tractor. He then identified Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers, who was pushed to the ground, too. Jackson's Vikings teammates erupted. O'Neill, who didn't see the play in real time, said that offensive line coach Chris Kuper said: 'Wait until you see Donnie's hit on that play.' O'Neill asked: 'It was cool?' Nodding. 'Hell yeah.' 'It's kind of a mentality,' Jackson said afterwards. 'I'm 300 pounds.' • O'Connell confirmed Wednesday that the punt returner position is wide open, especially in the aftermath of Rondale Moore's season-ending knee injury. 'We've got some talented guys,' O'Connell said, 'maybe without the experience level that you would always want. But at the same time, they have upside and ability, so it should be a really good competition.' Undrafted rookies Silas Bolden and Myles Price excelled as returners in college. Another receiver vying for a 53-man role, Lucky Jackson, has fielded punts. It is not out of the question that the Vikings add another receiver for depth. If that player has punt-returning experience, even better. Advertisement • Backup quarterback Sam Howell began his own two-minute drill with a couple of short completions. Receiver Jeshaun Jones caught the first pass on the left sideline, and tight end Bryson Nesbit snagged a ball on the right. Then the second unit stalled. Howell missed three straight passes to receiver Tai Felton, Nesbit and Felton again. He was then sacked on fourth down. Overall, he appears far more comfortable with the offense than he did in the first couple of weeks. The lack of protection is a factor, too. • Undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer built on his impressive preseason debut. On Wednesday, facing a blitz-all defensive picture from the Patriots, he lobbed a deep ball down the left sideline to receiver Tim Jones. Brosmer sounds like a longtime professional. He talked Wednesday about how much he's learned from O'Connell, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and the rest of the staff in a short stint. Replicate his production Saturday or even next week, and he'll further cement a job on the 53. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vikings QB JJ McCarthy returns to action 364 days after injury
When Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy took the field Saturday, it marked the end of a 364-day hiatus from in-game action for the second-year gunslinger. The Vikings' preseason opener against the Houston Texans was McCarthy's first game back healthy since Aug. 10, 2024, when he tore his meniscus in Minnesota's 2024 preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. The injury robbed McCarthy of his rookie season before it even began. The Michigan product started Saturday in his return to action and played a solid first drive. McCarthy's knee looked plenty healthy as he moved around inside and out of the pocket. That fact was most apparent when he took off for an eight-yard rush on fourth-and-4 to pick up a first down. Vikings backup Sam Howell took over for McCarthy after the team's first offensive possession, which ended in a 48-yard field goal from Will Reichard. VIKINGS WR DEPTH CHART: How Jordan Addison suspension impacts Minnesota J.J. McCarthy preseason stats Here's how McCarthy's performance looked in the box score after his one-drive return to game action: Completion rate: 4 of 7 (57%) Passing yards: 30 Touchdowns: 0 Interceptions: 0 Rush attempts: 1 Rushing yards: 8 In his limited time back on the field in his return, McCarthy did plenty to show why the Vikings are placing their trust in him after passing on signing veteran free agents and letting Sam Darnold walk in free agency. On his first pass attempt, McCarthy faked a handoff then rolled out to his left before hitting Jordan Addison with a strike for a short gain. He converted his first chance on third down with a quick pass to Addison. A couple of plays later, he made his best throw of the game with a deeper pass, again to Addison, to pick up 18 yards. It was a well-placed throw between the trailing defender and the sideline – one made more impressive by the execution with pressure in his face and bit of lower-body contact after the play. In case there were still any concerns about McCarthy's knee health, his aforementioned eight-yard scramble to pick up a first down should put most doubts to bed. Once again facing pressure up the middle on a fourth-down play in Texans territory, McCarthy sprinted out to his right to avoid the pass-rush before he cruised ahead for the first down. The two worst plays by McCarthy were small miscues: a batted pass on an apparent RPO to his back side and an overthrow to an open receiver on third down to close out his lone drive. Overall, a strong showing for McCarthy without lead receiver Justin Jefferson active for the game, showing a strong connection with Addison, his No. 2 receiver. That could come into play by Week 4 of the regular season, when Addison returns from his three-game suspension for violating the league's Substances of Abuse policy. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: JJ McCarthy preseason stats: Vikings QB returns from knee injury
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NFL preseason: How to watch the Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings game today
The Minnesota Vikings will host the Houston Texans for their first exhibition game of the season on Saturday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Much of the news out of the Vikings' summer training camp has been about whether or not quarterback J.J. McCarthy will get time on the field during the preseason – after suffering an injury during his first game last year, McCarthy missed his entire rookie season and has been building back to play this season, though his comeback has faced challenges along the way. The Vikings vs. Texans game will kick off Saturday at 4 p.m. ET and will air on the NFL Network. Here's all the info you need about tonight's game, plus the dates and times for the rest of the NFL's preseason games. How to watch the Texans vs. Vikings preseason game: Date: Saturday, August 9 Time: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN Game: Texans vs. Vikings TV channel: NFL Network and local stations Streaming: NFL+, DirecTV and more Texans vs. Vikings game time: The Texans will play the Vikings today, August 9, at 4 p.m. ET. What channel is the Vikings vs. Texans game on? The Minnesota Vikings vs. Houston Texans game will air on the NFL Network as well as on Fox 9 in Minneapolis. The game will be available to stream for out-of-market viewers on NFL+. How to watch the Vikings vs. Texans game: How long is the NFL preseason? The 2025 NFL preseason began on July 31, and games will be played through Saturday, August 23. 2025 NFL preseason schedule: All times Eastern Week 1 Thursday, Aug. 7 Colts at Ravens: 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Bengals at Eagles: 7:30 p.m. ET Raiders at Seahawks: 10 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Friday, Aug. 8 Browns at Panthers: 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Lions at Falcons: 7 p.m. ET Commanders at Patriots: 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Aug. 9 Giants at Bills: 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Texans at Vikings: 4 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Steelers at Jaguars: 7 p.m. ET Cowboys at Rams: 7 p.m. ET Titans at Buccaneers: 7:30 p.m. ET Jets at Packers: 8 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Chiefs at Cardinals: 8 p.m. ET Broncos at 49ers: 8:30 p.m. ET Sunday, Aug. 10 Dolphins at Bears: 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Saints at Chargers: 4:05 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Week 2 Friday, Aug. 15 Titans vs. Falcons: 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Chiefs at Seahawks: 10 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Saturday, Aug. 16 Browns at Eagles: 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Patriots at Vikings: 1 p.m. ET Packers at Colts: 1 p.m. ET Dolphins at Lions: 1 p.m. ET Panthers at Texans: 1 p.m. ET 49ers at Raiders: 4 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Ravens at Cowboys: 7 p.m. ET Buccaneers at Steelers: 7 p.m. ET (CBS) Jets at Giants: 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Chargers at Rams: 7 p.m. ET Cardinals at Broncos: 9:30 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Sunday, Aug. 17 Jaguars at Saints: 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Bills at Bears: 8 p.m. ET (Fox) Monday, Aug. 18 Bengals at Commanders: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN) Week 3 Thursday, Aug. 21 Steelers at Panthers: 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Patriots at Giants: 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video) Friday, Aug. 22 Eagles at Jets: 7:30 p.m. ET Vikings at Titans: 8 p.m. ET (CBS) Falcons at Cowboys: 8 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Bears at Chiefs: 8:20 p.m. ET Saturday, Aug. 23 Ravens at Commanders: 12 p.m. ET Colts at Bengals: 1 p.m. ET Rams at Browns: 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Texans at Lions: 1 p.m. ET Broncos at Saints: 1 p.m. ET Seahawks at Packers: 4 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Jaguars at Dolphins: 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network) Bills at Buccaneers: 7:30 p.m. ET Chargers at 49ers: 8:30 p.m. ET Raiders at Cardinals: 10 p.m. ET (NFL Network) How to watch the 2025 NFL preseason: Many NFL preseason games are broadcast on local channels, so if you're looking to catch an in-market game, it may be as simple as turning on your TV (or setting up a digital TV antenna). If you want to watch out-of-market games, a $7/month subscription to NFL+ will get you access to NFL Network, which will have every out-of-market game in the preseason. The downside of NFL+? When it comes to the regular season, it's a much less helpful option because there are far fewer NFL Network games during the regular season. More ways to watch NFL games in 2025:
