MN Vikings QB Joins Mahomes and Marino in Rare Company

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J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

JJ McCarthy has already shown he’s not intimidated by the moment. On the road in Chicago, after a rough start, the Minnesota Vikings’ young quarterback completed clutch third-down throws and managed the game like a ten-year vet.

Then in week 9, fresh off an ankle injury that cost him five more starts, McCarthy went into Ford Field against a good Lions team and took care of business in a way that even Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins were not able since Dan Campbell took over as head coach in Detroit.

Something is different with JJ McCarthy as MN Vikings QB

Just like in his first victory over the Bears, the 2024 No. 10 overall draft pick was far from perfect against the Lions. But he was in control, made plays when it mattered most and did enough to walk out with a win. After the game, I raved on X about his control of the offense. It was very evident.

He showed the kind of poise and resilience imperative for a franchise quarterback in the NFL, and that is something Vikings fans have waited a long time for. We’ve watched a lot of QBs over the years, just hoping to see an inkling of the poise McCarthy has shown in two of his first three starts under center.

That kind of start doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when a young quarterback walks into a new system, learns it quickly, earns the respect of the locker room, and delivers under pressure. That is exactly what JJ McCarthy has done in Minnesota.

JJ McCarthy makes NFL divisional history

The Minnesota Vikings look like they’ve found their guy. And if JJ can continue to beat the division rivals like he has to start his career, then the future is REALLY looking bright.

With Sunday’s win in Detroit, JJ McCarthy joined Patrick Mahomes (2017–18: @ DEN, @ LAC) and Dan Marino (1983: @ BAL, @ NYJ) as the only first-round quarterbacks in NFL history to win two divisional road games in their first three starts. How about that company?

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Those aren’t just numbers in a box score. They’re proof that McCarthy’s leadership and preparation are ahead of schedule. If McCarthy can lead the offense in that same manner all season the Vikings might still have a chance this season, even at 4-4, currently sitting at the bottom of the NFC North.

Division wins on the road are SO huge

Winning inside the NFC North is tough. Doing it on the road in hostile stadiums is even tougher. McCarthy’s two early divisional road wins are more than what some young quarterbacks will ever achieve.

Not only that, but now the Lions are under pressure to come into U.S. Bank Stadium and beat the Vikings later this season, in order to avoid a divisional sweep. That matters. Not only do the victories show that McCarthy can win in the elements, handle adversity, and deliver when it counts… but they are matter in the standings too.

We know all to well that the Vikings have seen a carousel of quarterbacks over the past two decades. McCarthy’s early success feels different. His mix of humility, leadership, and quiet swagger is the type of foundation every franchise needs.

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It’s early, but Vikings fans have good reason to believe that this could finally be the long-term answer under center. Mahomes and Marino both turned early flashes into legendary careers. If McCarthy keeps building like this, the Vikings could have a lot more than just a promising young quarterback.

JJ McCarthy building confidence across Minnesota Vikings roster

The energy around the Vikings just feels different. Players like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson have been visibly fired up after big plays, and it’s not hard to see why. McCarthy’s calm confidence gives the offense life. He’s not forcing throws, but he’s also not afraid to take shots when the coverage allows it.

Veterans are responding to that. You can see it in Jefferson’s body language after every completion with other players on the team. McCarthy is a gamer and he elevates his team with him. When a quarterback as young as JJ can elevate his teammates, it can change a franchise.

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