The Minnesota Vikings may have their sights set on a promising future with rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy, but head coach Kevin O’Connell is urging fans to temper their enthusiasm.
Despite an impressive preseason debut in a narrow 24-23 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, the team is committed to taking a cautious approach with McCarthy’s development.
McCarthy, who led Michigan to the national championship last season, had a standout performance in his first game with the Vikings.
After an early interception, he orchestrated three scoring drives, including touchdown passes of 45 and 33 yards.
Despite the excitement surrounding his debut, O’Connell remains focused on the bigger picture, describing the game as “just another glorified, singular step in the process.”
“I think we want to be smart about that development and make sure that his training camp is absolutely going to plan,” O’Connell explained.
While McCarthy’s stats – 11 completions on 17 attempts for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception – were solid, O’Connell emphasized that veteran Sam Darnold is still set to start the season.
Darnold’s limited action in Saturday’s game was part of a broader plan, with O’Connell highlighting the importance of Minnesota’s upcoming joint practices with the Cleveland Browns for McCarthy’s growth.
Although Darnold, the former third overall pick, has been around for a while, he’s still just 27 years old and has his share of supporters.
Darnold’s past seasons with the Panthers show a mixed bag; he had an 8-9 record as a starter in each of his two seasons in Carolina (2021-2022).
The Panthers struggled significantly in games where Darnold did not start, posting a 4-13 record.
For the Vikings, the hope is that Darnold might experience a resurgence similar to Geno Smith’s turnaround in Seattle.
Before Smith became the Seahawks’ full-time starter in 2022, his career numbers were unimpressive: 13-21 in starts with a 34-to-37 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Darnold’s career record stands at 21-35, but a turnaround is still within the realm of possibility.
With Darnold on a one-year contract, the widespread expectation is that McCarthy will take over as the starter next season – if not sooner.
This year could be Darnold’s last chance to secure a long-term deal elsewhere.
Do you think we’ll see McCarthy take any meaningful snaps this season? … Or will he indeed have to wait until next year???
