As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for the 2024 NFL season, their quarterback landscape is taking on a fresh look with J.J. McCarthy now set as the team’s starter. After spending his rookie season on the sidelines recovering from a full meniscus repair, McCarthy is stepping in to fill the shoes of Sam Darnold. Darnold led the Vikings to an impressive 14-3 record in 2024 before moving on to the Seattle Seahawks with a hefty three-year, $100.5M contract.
Minnesota’s tight end T.J. Hockenson recently shared his thoughts on McCarthy’s potential, and he couldn’t be more excited about what the young quarterback brings to the table. “He’s got that switch,” Hockenson noted, pointing out McCarthy’s on-field intensity and perfectionist mindset. You might not catch it during casual conversations, but the moment McCarthy steps onto the field, his competitive edge is undeniable. The way the ball zips from his hands adds an element of excitement that Hockenson and the rest of the team are eager to see develop in camp and into the season.
Last season, while McCarthy was included in game plan meetings, he patiently awaited his opportunity as a red-shirt rookie. Meanwhile, Hockenson himself had to battle back from a torn ACL and MCL, which sidelined him for the first half of the season. Upon his return, he managed to tally 41 receptions for 455 yards, showcasing his crucial role in the offense.
The Vikings have high hopes that McCarthy can step up and potentially even surpass Darnold’s achievements. Hockenson’s confidence in McCarthy is unwavering. At the Tight End University summit, he affectionately called McCarthy “my dog,” praising his hunger for improvement and willingness to put in the hard work necessary to succeed in the NFL.
However, the whisperings from Minnesota suggest that the team might consider veteran quarterback options like Ryan Tannehill or explore trade opportunities for Kirk Cousins from the Atlanta Falcons if McCarthy struggles to find his rhythm during training camp and the preseason. The real test will begin when the Vikings face off against their rivals, the Chicago Bears, in a “Monday Night Football” showdown on September 8th, marking the start of the regular season. With the spotlight on McCarthy, it will be fascinating to see whether he can silence the skeptics and lead this team to new heights.
