Difficult to dream of worse start in NFL than those of JJ McCarthy. Selected in 10th position by Vikings in search of their future master to play, the quarterback was injured in the meniscus during a pre-season match. Obliged to have the surgery, the former Michigan player had to declare for the season. A misfortune that made him the first quarterback selected in the 1st round to miss his rookie season due to an injury.
As if that was not painful enough, the player had to attend the prowess weeks after weeks of his competitor Sam Darnold.
Competition ousted, JJ McCarthy confirmed
However, despite the performances beyond Darnold's expectations at the controllers of the attack, the management of the franchise has decided to trust its young quarterback for the future. Despite rumors of persistent exchanges and teams that have called to find out the availability of McCarthy, the former Wolverine will be in charge.
Minnesota manager, Kwesi Adofofo-Mensah, even took care to make him free field:
- Goodbye Sam and thank you: no tag franchise, even less extension, Sam Darnold will play elsewhere. Direction Seattle. The main competitor has left.
- A quadruple MVP? It's no. Pushed among others by Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers seems to want to return to the NFC North but dressed in Violet. He will not have what he wants this time. NFL Media confirms that the team is not interested, after having discussed a little. On the sidelines of the owners' meeting, Kevin O'Connell assured that the interest that the Vikings have brought to Rodgers did not mean anything about their confidence in McCarthy. “” He was at a point in his career where he was free to discuss his future“Explained O'Connell about Rodgers. “” And it turns out that we were one of the teams he contacted. »» Only contact, therefore.
The plan is clear. The franchise rejected McCarthy's exchange proposals and did not give in to Rodgers. This is number 9 the holder. And he will have no excuse in case of failure.
A 5 -star offensive casting
Difficult to dream better than to launch the leather to Justin Jefferson. Quadruple All Pro, the 25 -year -old recipient is simply the best at his post. Already 7,400 yards in 5 seasons, it is the perfect target for a quarterback. And all the more reason a young person who needs confidence and solutions.
As if that were not enough, JJ McCarthy can also count on Jordan Addison. While entering his 3rd season, the former USC settles like a major weapon. He excels in his tracks, he marks a lot and releases little balloons. The arrival of Rondale Moore, offers a different profile that the team did not have. Back 100%, TJ HoClenson is an excellent Tight End capable of bringing a lot in the passage game as shown by its 95 balloons captured in 2023.
The offensive backfield is also not to be outdone. With the extension of Aaron Jones, Minnesota made sure the presence of a versatile and reliable runner, capable of being a real rescue solution for his launcher. Despite his 30 candles blown in December, he demonstrated that he was still very efficient.
A pampered offensive line
Not the strongest point of the team, the offensive line was a site for the first part of off -season. Exit the ED Ingram flop, also end of the adventure for Garrett Bradbury who never justified his selection in the 1st round in 2019.
To replace them, the Viks' went to Indiana. The very solid Ryan Kelly will be in the center. His experience and talent will be precious for the quarterback which will be behind him with each put into play. Minnesota has also bet very big on Will Fries. Brilliant in Indianapolis, excellent in the floor game, solid in protection, it is a reinforcement of choice for the line.
The team put on a young quarterback that returns from injury. So his protection is a priority.
A talented coach
Honored by the title of coach of the year in 2024, Kevin O'Connel won his talented talented trainers. Since his arrival at the Vikings, he has superformed with a workforce not always competitive.
He especially demonstrated, whether with Kirk Cousins or Sam Darnold, that he knew how to put the quarterbacks in an ideal position to shine. Its patterns are favorable to launchers and maximize their qualities.
An iron and opportunistic defense
Already solid in 2024, the squad directed by Brian Flores was reinforced by the arrivals of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Experience and skills to enrich a line that will look great. Minnesota's defense was fifth from the League to the number of points conceded in 2024. McCarthy is – by far – the quarterback rookie in 2024 which should have the fewest points to score to win its team.
He is always comfortable for a quarterback that his defense makes it easier for him. Bingo, Minnesota is the most opportunistic team in 2024 with 33 stolen balloons.
JJ McCarthy will have to ensure and reassure
All the ingredients are gathered to see McCarthy shine in 2025. Management made big investments during the offseason to assert the team as a credible outsider.
The good news is that the franchise will quickly know what they have with McCarthy. If the quarterback does not find a correct minimum yield, it will have no excuse.
Expectations are high, as high as the confidence placed in him during this winter. The sample of his game and his talent remained thin by the style of play of Michigan.
The quarterback enters the deep end and must prove that it is up to par.
