Entering his second NFL season, 2024 draft No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy has not logged a single regular-season start to his credit, and that presents an obvious, but still daunting, challenge for the Minnesota Vikings. It could be their “biggest problem.”
McCarthy tore his meniscus in the Vikings’ 2024 preseason opener and missed his rookie season. His first start comes against the Chicago Bears on “Monday Night Football.”
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon believes that only adds to the QB’s ominous outlook.
J.J. McCarthy’s Inexperience Puts Vikings in Noteworthy Position
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during a game against the Houston Texans.
Gagnon specifically cites the “unknown” with McCarthy, who has been the Vikings’ unquestioned QB1 throughout the offseason program, training camp, and the preseason, as well as “support issues” as the Vikings open the season.
All of the changes, including McCarthy taking over for Sam Darnold, a Pro Bowler in 2014, and the remade interior offensive line, loom large for the Vikings.
McCarthy could be “in the wrong place at the wrong time” against the Bears on “MNF.”
“Not only is the Vikings quarterback making his first career start in a tricky road spot Monday against Chicago, but he’ll also be doing so without suspended receiver Jordan Addison. And while he may have Christian Darrisaw, it’s tough to tell how effective the left tackle will be coming off a major knee injury,” Gagnon wrote on September 5. “Throw in that the Vikes have completely retooled their interior offensive line, and there could be significant issues in terms of finding rhythm within this offense out of the gate.
“They could easily be in the wrong place at the wrong time Monday night, and there are no soft spots on the schedule until they play the Browns in London in Week 5. This is worth some concern considering the competition in the mighty NFC North.”
McCarthy will have plenty of eyes on him in the Vikings’ season opener, but he will hardly have to do the heavy lifting on his own, particularly with head coach Kevin O’Connell calling plays.
Vikings’ Skill Positions Still Loaded
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before facing the Houston Texans.
Addison will be out until Week 4, which stings after he and McCarthy showed good chemistry during the Vikings’ preseason slate.
However, the Vikings still have No. 1 wide receiver Justin Jefferson. He missed camp and the preseason with a hamstring issue, but was not among the players listed on the first injury report of the week. They also re-acquired WR Adam Thielen from the Carolina Panthers.
At tight end, McCarthy has another Pro Bowler in T.J. Hockenson.
Hockenson’s backup, Josh Oliver, was retained for his blocking prowess, but he also offers underrated pass-catching ability.
The Vikings also retooled their offensive line with the idea of dedicating themselves to running the ball more. They bolstered that idea by re-signing running back Aaron Jones (a Pro Bowler) after a career year last season and acquiring Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers.
Even if it takes the Vikings time to jell in pass protection, they could succeed in the run game.
That is good news for McCarthy, since it could mean a return to the form that helped him guide the Michigan Wolverines to their first title since 1997 in his final collegiate season (2023).
Red Flag Raised as J.J. McCarthy ‘Problem’ Looms Large For Vikings