Longtime NFL Scribe Becomes 1st Local Media Member to Go All-In on JJ McCarthy

By Ted Schwerzler |

Updated: Aug 1, 2024

J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings — Credit: Andy Kenutis - Minnesota Vikings

Roster turnover has been the name of the game for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. A new face will be under center regardless of who start in Week 1. For the first time though, a local media member is suggesting the rookie may have a leg up.

Could JJ McCarthy really go for Minnesota Vikings in Week 1?

Thus far the expectation has been that Sam Darnold would be the Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback in Week 1. Brought in as a veteran replacement for Kirk Cousins, Darnold could work in an ideal situation. Darnold’s career has been a struggle, but has played for poor organizations. J.J. McCarthy was supposed to sit and learn after being a first round draft pick. The Star Tribune’s Mark Craig isn’t so sure.

Both have very strong arms. One is a rookie. One is Sam Darnold. So neither looks like an NFL starter right now. Sam is being treated like the starter but I still think J.J. passes him and is the Week 1 starter. But if he doesn't it's nothing to be alarmed about. https://t.co/b0iigsuCoP
— Mark Craig (@markcraignfl) August 1, 2024

There have been differing opinions on both Darnold and McCarthy to this point. The former has flamed out with both the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. He has thrown for 3,000 yards just once, and owns a near-even 63/56 TD/INT ratio. The latter played in a run-heavy collegiate offense. There was little pressure put on his quarterbacking skills.

JJ McCarthy doesn’t have to start for Minnesota Vikings

Although the Vikings used a first round pick on J.J. McCarthy, his future won’t be impacted by when he starts for Kevin O’Connell. If he is to ride the bench, or even be the third quarterback in Week 1, the arrow still points straight up. McCarthy shouldn’t get under center until the Vikings feel he is ready, and a full redshirt year could be part of that plan.

"Both of them (JJ McCarthy and Sam Darnold) are farther ahead than where I thought they would be…It's gonna be about JJ McCarthy and whats best for his career."

– @Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell

📽️ #Vikings/@DanBarreiroKFAN pic.twitter.com/3dXLcyUKkV
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 1, 2024

As Craig notes, there should be little cause for concern if McCarthy doesn’t overtake Darnold out of the gate. Again, there is a plausible scenario in which Darnold as the starter bears fruit. The Vikings have to get the quarterback decision right, and developing McCarthy is part of that plan. Development isn’t always linear. The Michigan prospect won’t be forced until he’s ready to roll.