Colin Cowherd, one of the most prominent voices in sports media, has built a career on bold takes and confident analysis. With a massive platform at Fox Sports and a history at ESPN, his words carry weight, quickly reaching mainstream audiences. But when it comes to Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Cowherd’s latest commentary reveals a recurring flaw: making sweeping judgments without doing the necessary homework.
During a recent discussion prompted by McCarthy’s interception at the Vikings’ mandatory minicamp—his third in consecutive practices open to the media—Cowherd dove into a critique of the young quarterback’s potential. He questioned whether McCarthy possesses the elite traits required to be a franchise quarterback, suggesting that the Vikings’ interest in other quarterbacks and “conflicting reports” about McCarthy create a cloud of mystery around him.
Cowherd’s core argument? To be a top-10 franchise quarterback in a league of 32 teams, a player needs a “wow trait.” He points to Patrick Mahomes’ arm talent, Josh Allen’s size and physicality, Lamar Jackson’s athleticism, and Matthew Stafford’s exceptional arm as examples. In contrast, he dismisses McCarthy’s arm strength as “modest,” his escape ability as average, and his release as unremarkable, concluding that McCarthy lacks a defining elite trait. He even downplays the idea of McCarthy being a “winner,” arguing that such labels are meaningless for players coached by the likes of Jim Harbaugh, Steve Spurrier, or Nick Saban.
Here’s where Cowherd’s analysis falls apart. His assessment of McCarthy relies heavily on secondhand scouting reports and a single preseason game from last year, where McCarthy went 11-for-17 for 190 yards, two touchdowns, and a passer rating near 100. Admittedly, Cowherd didn’t even watch the game live—he only saw the highlights. Yet, he feels confident enough to make definitive claims about McCarthy’s abilities.
This approach is baffling. McCarthy’s arm talent is far from “modest.” At the NFL Scouting Combine, he threw the ball at 61 miles per hour, a mark that underscores his ability to deliver with velocity. Vikings safety Josh Metellus, who has seen his share of quarterbacks, praised McCarthy’s arm after Tuesday’s practice, saying, “He has one of the best zips I’ve seen since being in the league… He can put the ball where he wants to.” This isn’t just coachspeak or hype—McCarthy’s ability to sling the ball, particularly on intermediate routes like the in-breaking patterns favored by head coach Kevin O’Connell, is evident to those who’ve watched him closely.
Moreover, the Vikings have been working with McCarthy to refine his mechanics, which could elevate his already-impressive arm strength to another level. His throws display not just power but precision, especially in the intermediate range where O’Connell’s offense thrives. To dismiss McCarthy’s arm as lacking an elite trait is to ignore both the tape and the testimony of those around him.
Cowherd’s reliance on highlights and vague reports also overlooks McCarthy’s broader skill set. While it’s true that we don’t yet know how McCarthy will perform as a starter, his college tape at Michigan, his preseason performance, and his work in minicamp suggest a quarterback with significant potential. His ability to process defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate throws under pressure are traits that don’t always show up in a stat line or a highlight reel but are critical for NFL success.
The most frustrating part of Cowherd’s take is his admission that he hasn’t done the deep dive. He didn’t watch McCarthy’s preseason game live, and there’s little evidence he’s studied the all-22 film that would reveal McCarthy’s mechanics, decision-making, and fit in Minnesota’s system. Instead, he leans on generalizations and outdated narratives, like the idea that the Vikings are “flirting with other quarterbacks” as evidence of doubt in McCarthy. In reality, exploring quarterback options is standard for teams managing their roster, especially with a rookie recovering from surgery, as McCarthy did last year.
Cowherd’s critique isn’t just lazy—it’s unfair. McCarthy’s interception at minicamp is a data point, not a defining moment. Young quarterbacks make mistakes; it’s part of the development process. To extrapolate one play—or even three—into a referendum on McCarthy’s potential is the kind of hot-take sensationalism that prioritizes clicks over insight.
If Cowherd took the time to watch the all-22, he’d see a quarterback with a live arm, improving mechanics, and a knack for making plays in the pocket. He’d see a player who, while not yet a finished product, has the raw tools to develop into a franchise quarterback. McCarthy may not have Mahomes’ flair or Allen’s size, but he doesn’t need to. His combination of arm talent, accuracy, and poise could be more than enough to succeed in Minnesota’s system.
Colin Cowherd’s platform gives him influence, but with that comes a responsibility to do the work. Dismissing J.J. McCarthy based on highlights and hearsay is a mistake he’s made before with other players, and it’s one he seems destined to repeat. Until he dives into the film and watches McCarthy closely, his takes will remain loud but hollow. Maybe it’s time for Cowherd to hit the tape and learn something new about the Vikings’ quarterback of the future.