Latest news with #JjMcCarthy
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
J.J. McCarthy, Vikings Dealt Damning 2025 Prediction
J.J. McCarthy, Vikings Dealt Damning 2025 Prediction originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Minnesota Vikings will enter the 2025 NFL with quarterback J.J. McCarthy looking to build instant chemistry with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Advertisement Sam Darnold took the QB mantle last season after McCarthy suffered a season-ending right knee meniscus tear in the preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. He led the Vikings to a brilliant 14-3 record in the regular season. The Los Angeles Rams put an abrupt end to the Darnold and Jefferson train in the Wild Card Round. This season, things are different. Minnesota let Darnold walk away in free agency, leaving McCarthy with big shoes to fill in 2025. Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9)© Brad Rempel-Imagn Images NFL Network's Adam Rank dropped a disappointing prediction for the Vikings' fans. He doesn't believe that McCarthy would manage to pull off a similar record in what would be the Vikings' quarterback's rookie season. Advertisement "The Minnesota Vikings are one of the most interesting teams for 2025," Rank said. "Very good a season ago, but they got rid of Sam Darnold. JJ McCarthy seems ready, poised to take over this team." Rank has McCarthy starting his NFL career with a loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 1. He believes Minnesota will defeat the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals at home. He said the Vikings will head into the bye week following a loss to Aaron Rodgers' Pittsburgh Steelers but a win over the Cleveland Browns. "You start off three and two. Heading into the bye week, you're feeling pretty good. You're like, 'Okay, JJ McCarthy starting to feel himself, that feels good." But playing the defending champions at home, not great in Week 7," Rank said. He predicted the Vikings to suffer three straight losses to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Detroit Lions before registering a victory against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10. Advertisement Rank added that the Vikings will defeat the Bears again in Week 11 but will lose to the Green Bay Packers. "JJ McCarthy going out to face Sam Darnold. The Sam Darnold revenge game, you got a loss right here," he predicted. The NFL analyst has Minnesota winning against the Washington Commanders. However, the Dallas Cowboys are expected to defeat McCarthy's army. Entering the final stretch, Rank predicts the Vikings to win against the New York Giants and avenge their loss against the Detroit Lions. "You're eight and eight. Home against the Green Bay Packers. JJ McCarthy, with an opportunity to stamp himself as the definitive Vikings quarterback and as a definitive Viking, it would mean you lose a big game. So, I have the Packers winning that," he said. Advertisement As per Rank's analysis, the Vikings will end the 2025 regular season with an 8-9 record. While he has confidence in McCarthy having a good season, the NFL analyst doesn't see him making it to the playoffs in his very first season. Minnesota also parted ways with Daniel Jones and Nick Mullens in free agency. They traded for Sam Howell rather than acquiring a veteran quarterback. If things go south with McCarthy, the fans might have to bear a worse result than Rank's prediction. Related: Vikings' Justin Jefferson Dealt Disrespect Due to J.J. McCarthy Related: Vikings' Justin Jefferson Reacts to Major Aaron Jones Announcement This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michigan WR Makes Feelings Clear About Bryce Underwood Before 2025 Season
Michigan WR Makes Feelings Clear About Bryce Underwood Before 2025 Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. With the arrival of true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the top-ranked prospect in the class of 2025, the Michigan Wolverines are looking to get back in the national championship conversation. After winning it all in 2023, the program's first national title in more than 25 years, "Big Blue" took a step back last season, finishing with an 8-5 record and seventh in the Big Ten standings. Advertisement Michigan struggled with the departures of quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum. Last year, the Wolverines finished 131st in passing yards (129.1 yards per game) and 73rd in rushing yards (157.2). Underwood was a last-minute addition to Michigan's recruiting class as he decommitted from LSU before committing to the Big Ten powerhouse. Landing Underwood delivered a successful recruiting cycle for the Wolverines. Not only did they land the five-star quarterback prospect, but Michigan secured another five-star addition in offensive tackle Andrew Babalola. On3 slotted Michigan sixth in their 2025 recruiting rankings. Advertisement The Wolverines appear to be reinvigorated as evidenced by the outlook shared by wide receiver Channing Goodwin on Monday. 'Bryce has come in, done a great job early enrolling from high school,' Goodwin said via The Wolverine's Clayton Sayfie. 'He's blessed with all the physical traits, and he just keeps on progressing each and every day in practice going against our great defense. He's been great so far.' Underwood has yet to be named the starter officially by Michigan's coaching staff; however, he is seen as the favorite to earn that role. Bryce Underwood throws at spring practice.© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images When asked about his and the team's goals for the upcoming season, Goodwin seems to believe the sky is the limit. Advertisement 'Coming into this year, we want to just win,' Goodwin said. 'That's the main thing on our mind — go out there, win every game and just hold ourselves to that Michigan standard, for real. That's the biggest thing as a team. We just want to go out there and compete, win and achieve all of our goals.' Goodwin joined the program in 2024 and took a redshirt year. A former three-star recruit, he committed to Michigan over offers from NC State, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, North Carolina and many more schools. Michigan begins the season at home against the New Mexico Lobos on Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Related: Former Michigan QB Delivers Verdict on Sherrone Moore After Major Recruiting Win Related: Hours After Landing 5-Star EDGE, Sherrone Moore, Michigan Secure Another Recruiting Win This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
