The Minnesota Vikings enjoyed an unexpected Cinderella run last season, thanks to journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold.
After a preseason injury sidelined rookie J.J. McCarthy, Darnold took the reins and led the team to a 14-3 record.
However, despite his heroics, Darnold’s fairytale stint with the Vikings ended in heartbreak, with two of the team’s worst performances of the season – a Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions and a wild card defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams.
Looking ahead, the Vikings are poised to enter a new era with McCarthy, who is expected to be their starting quarterback in 2025.
While the rookie missed the entire 2024 season due to a knee injury, there’s major optimism about his return.
As a matter of fact, McCarthy’s old Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh – now with the Los Angeles Chargers – offered a glowing endorsement of McCarthy’s recovery during an appearance on PFT Live.
“J.J. has attacked his rehab this entire last six, seven months, and I can guarantee Vikings fans that he is up and at it already today, attacking the day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind,” Harbaugh said.
“I love him. I’m not gonna love playing against him, we play the Vikings this year.”
Harbaugh and McCarthy share a strong connection, having worked closely together for three seasons at Michigan, where McCarthy led the Wolverines to a national title in 2023.
As McCarthy gears up for his official NFL debut, Vikings fans are hopeful that the young quarterback will thrive under head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system.
McCarthy, who was known for his precise throwing and decision-making at Michigan, should be a good fit for O’Connell’s offense, which has seen success in maximizing the talents of quarterbacks.
The transition to the NFL is never easy for young quarterbacks, but McCarthy’s skill set gives him a strong foundation to succeed.
He may not have been asked to do much at Michigan, but his ability to operate under center, execute play-action passes, and make plays on the move are all assets that will help him adapt to the NFL game.
The Vikings offense is built to support their quarterbacks, with superstar receiver Justin Jefferson and rising star Jordan Addison forming one of the league’s most formidable receiving duos.
O’Connell has shown he can effectively scheme to get his playmakers open, giving McCarthy the opportunity to thrive.
Of course, some fans and analysts are not overly sold on the idea that McCarthy will be Minnesota’s starter next season.
First thing’s first, the Darnold situation has yet to be officially resolved. (Although he’s not likely to be kept.)
Then of course, you have the swirling rumors that Aaron Rodgers could be a legitimate option for the Vikings. (Imagine him following in Brett Favre’s EXACT footsteps?)
At the end of the day, who do you think will be Minnesota’s starting quarterback next season? … Is Harbaugh correct with his McCarthy love? Or will someone like Rodgers swoop in and steal the job???
