Vikings Teammates Now Going To Bat for JJ McCarthy

J.J. McCarthy’s first season starting for the Minnesota Vikings was tumultuous to say the least. Not only did he need to force-feed Justin Jefferson in the final week to surpass a plateau, but he bowed out of yet another contest.

After suffering a season-ending knee injury as a rookie, year one playing was marred with lack of health and ineffectiveness. Multiple questions about his personality, whether that of McCarthy or “Nine,” presented themselves.

In the final week of the season though, after the dust settled, teammates had no problem having his back.

A different tune from MN Vikings on JJ McCarthy

It’s not as though Minnesota Vikings players have been calling J.J. McCarthy out this season (short of the legendary Cris Carter), but he hasn’t exactly warranted praise. That wasn’t the case when ESPN’s Kevin Seifert talked to guys after Week 18.

“I absolutely love playing with J.J. What a tremendous leader he is for how young he is. He’s got a lot of moxie and swagger to him. Like anyone, he is going to continue to get better. But man, he is so much fun to play with. Every time he goes out and gets that look in his eye in the huddle, you know at any moment he is going to catch fire and do something big. I’m excited for his growth, his development and his future. He’s so much fun to play with. I’ll go into battle with him and protect him.”

Will Fries – ESPN

“I love that kid. I’m excited to see his development and growth go forward.”

Brian O’Neill – ESPN

It’s good to know that the guys blocking for McCarthy don’t want to see him flattened. In his first year starting the former first round pick went 6-4 while completing 57.6% of his passes. He turned in an 11/12 TD/INT ration and was often more bad than good.

Mechanical issues are apparent, and the Minnesota Vikings appear determined to make changes to their process next season. However, if McCarthy is going to emerge as the long term answer, then having some support from his peers is a must.

Seifert noted that, “during the doldrums of training camp, sources said, there were moments when some veteran players grew weary of his high-energy approach.” If that was the case, it’s good to see some teammates coming full circle on a kid that’s just about to turn 23 years old.

Ultimately the Vikings wanted a quarterback reset with a franchise option on a rookie deal. So far that opportunity hasn’t materialized. It doesn’t mean that it can’t in the future though.