EAGAN, Minn. — As the Minnesota Vikings training camp unfolds, rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is both impressing and learning under the watchful eye of his teammates. Notably, star receiver Justin Jefferson has spent considerable time working with McCarthy this offseason, allowing him to offer candid assessments of his new quarterback’s performance.
Jefferson’s insights are particularly valuable given his rapport with McCarthy. He remarked that patience is essential for McCarthy, who is still adapting to the NFL after being drafted with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. “You definitely have to have patience,” Jefferson stated. “He’s pretty much a rookie. Last year pretty much doesn’t count for him.” Jefferson emphasized that while they expect McCarthy to work hard and improve, he should not be held to the same standards as a veteran.
The Vikings took significant measures last year to support McCarthy after he suffered a season-ending torn meniscus in his right knee. They provided him with extensive resources, including access to practice feeds, game plan discussions, and regular meetings with head coach Kevin O’Connell. Despite these efforts, McCarthy’s performance in the early days of training camp has shown that time on the field is irreplaceable.
Initially, McCarthy displayed promise during the acclimation period, delivering accurate passes and leading effective drills. However, as the team began full-contact practices, McCarthy and the Vikings offense faced challenges moving the ball effectively. During one notable practice sequence, the offense managed to gain positive yards only once against the starters.
As practices progressed, McCarthy’s accuracy began to waver, especially in high-pressure situations like the red zone. He struggled with throws, leading receivers out of bounds and failing to connect with open targets. In response to the mounting pressure, O’Connell reassured reporters, stating, “The sky has not fallen, so it’s all good.”
McCarthy himself acknowledged the need to regain the touch on his passes, a skill he feels diminished during his injury layoff. He described training camp as an opportunity to execute plays without the high stakes of a game environment. “It’s never a loss, and you’re always learning from it, good or bad,” he noted, emphasizing a focus on constant improvement.
Despite the early difficulties, McCarthy’s mental acumen has impressed those around him. He shows a clear understanding of the offensive scheme and has demonstrated confidence in calling plays in the huddle, a crucial indicator of a quarterback’s grasp of the game. Jefferson remarked on McCarthy’s composure and confidence, stating, “I feel like he definitely has this head on straight.”
New player Ryan Kelly, who has spent time with McCarthy off the field, also expressed confidence in his abilities. “If you have that at [22], that’s our guy. You rally around that because you know that he’s doing everything he can to be successful,” Kelly said.
The Vikings’ training camp has introduced unique challenges due to the defensive strategies implemented by new coordinator Brian Flores. His aggressive blitz packages have created a different environment compared to what many players experienced in past seasons. O’Connell noted the difficulties of facing such a defense, particularly when evaluating McCarthy’s performance under pressure.
During recent drills, McCarthy’s decision-making was tested, especially during a two-minute drill where he nearly threw an interception. O’Connell shared a key moment from their discussion, advising McCarthy to utilize his legs to gain yards rather than forcing a risky throw. “Those are the things that I’ve really enjoyed and really seen him grow,” O’Connell commented.
In red zone drills, where no blitzing occurs, McCarthy showcased his ability to make accurate throws but still encountered issues with precision, leading to missed connections with his targets. He reflected on the importance of being detail-oriented in those situations, admitting, “You’ve got to be detail-oriented and really specific with where you’re putting the ball.”
Overall, McCarthy estimated that he and the offense are gradually improving by about 2% with each practice. While challenges remain, the lessons learned during training camp are invaluable as he prepares for the upcoming season. The Vikings organization continues to support McCarthy as he navigates the complexities of his role, emphasizing the long-term journey ahead for the young quarterback.
