Minnesota is throwing everything it can at J.J. McCarthy before he makes his NFL regular season debut.
Indianapolis Colts v Minnesota Vikings | David Berding/GettyImages
The Minnesota Vikings looked to be a serious Super Bowl contender in 2024, posting a 14-3 record and just missing out on the NFC North crown. An embarrassing wild card round loss to the Los Angeles Rams saw that promising campaign end prematurely.
That being said, Minnesota reached those heights with Sam Darnold under center after 2024 first-round draft selection J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason. The 2024 College Football Playoff national champion with Michigan is presumed to be the starter this fall now that Darnold has moved on.
Per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, McCarthy’s OTA reps have been with the first team offense as well as the first team defense. He noted in his observations on Sunday that the team is throwing everything and the kitchen sink at the 22-year-old to prepare him for Week 1.
“We’ve got a group out there of guys that know what they’re doing, so they can give [McCarthy] some real-time feedback,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “You can’t measure the importance of those things.”
J.J. McCarthy can only benefit from the Vikings throwing him in the deep end during OTAs
McCarthy didn’t have the opportunity to work closely with guys like wide receiver Justin Jefferson or tight end T.J. Hockenson last year due to his unfortunate injury and Darnold’s presence on the roster. But now he’s getting invaluable time with his top receiving options and that’s only going to help in the long run.
Let it fly 9️⃣@jjmccarthy09 pic.twitter.com/hqgXwEXT23
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 27, 2025
“The timing, those reps, all of that has to be built up over time,” McCarthy said. “So the more reps, the better. I just feel like we’re not where we want to be, but we’re going to be there when we need to.”
O’Connell didn’t win the NFL Coach of the Year Award for nothing last season. He knows what he’s doing and the process he’s got his young, star QB working through is going to result in some ultra positive results.
Vikings fans should be realistic with JJ McCarthy
Now, fans may want to temper expectations from last year given McCarthy will essentially be a rookie in his second year in the league. But the potential ceiling is still rather high, nevertheless.
Jefferson, the team’s captain, is both young enough to bond with McCarthy in a professional and personal manner but still mature enough to take his QB under his wing and teach him the ropes adequately.
“I think it’s been huge not only just for J.J.,” O’Connell said. “Him and I have had a lot of conversations about his role. He’s not only captain, but he means so much to this organization, and the guys in that locker room that know, ‘If this guy, one of the best in the world at what he does, is pushing himself in May and June, I sure as heck better be doing the same thing.'”
I’m not saying the Vikings are Super Bowl-bound based on training camp vibes alone but this is the kind of development and attitude you want in the locker room if you’re building a championship culture. McCarthy will have all the resources he needs to succeed up north.
A Season Lost, A Foundation Built
In 2024, the Vikings surprised the NFL with a 14-3 record, driven by veteran quarterback Sam Darnold’s unexpected resurgence. However, McCarthy’s meniscus injury in the preseason forced him to miss his entire rookie campaign, leaving him to learn from the sidelines. While this setback was disappointing, it provided McCarthy with a unique opportunity to absorb the intricacies of the NFL game under the guidance of head coach Kevin O’Connell, a renowned quarterback developer. According to McCarthy, this time allowed him to get a “head start on the mental side of the game,” a critical advantage for a young quarterback transitioning from Michigan’s run-heavy offense to Minnesota’s high-volume passing attack.
Now fully recovered, McCarthy is being thrust into the fire with a rigorous training regimen that O’Connell and his staff have meticulously designed. During Organized Team Activities (OTAs), McCarthy has been taking first-team reps against the Vikings’ formidable first-team defense, a unit known for its aggressive, turnover-producing style under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. This challenging environment is no accident—it’s a deliberate strategy to push McCarthy to his limits and prepare him for the intensity of NFL regular-season games.
Building Chemistry with Star Receivers
One of the most promising aspects of McCarthy’s preparation is his growing rapport with Minnesota’s elite receiving corps. Justin Jefferson, the team’s captain and one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, has taken McCarthy under his wing, offering both professional guidance and personal camaraderie. “I think it’s been huge not only just for J.J.,” O’Connell noted, highlighting the importance of McCarthy’s time with Jefferson and Hockenson. McCarthy himself acknowledged the value of these reps, stating, “The timing, those reps, all of that has to be built up over time. So the more reps, the better.” This chemistry is critical, as McCarthy will rely heavily on Jefferson and Hockenson to elevate his performance in Minnesota’s pass-heavy offense.
Jefferson’s leadership is particularly significant. At just 26 years old, he’s young enough to connect with McCarthy on a personal level but experienced enough to mentor him through the challenges of the NFL. This dynamic, combined with O’Connell’s innovative play-calling, creates an environment where McCarthy can thrive—if he can handle the pressure.
Tempered Expectations, High Ceiling
While the Vikings’ aggressive approach signals confidence in McCarthy, fans are cautioned to temper expectations. McCarthy is essentially a rookie in his second year, and his transition to the NFL will not be without growing pains. At Michigan, he operated in a run-heavy system that leaned on a stout defense and a powerful ground game, masking some of his developmental needs. In Minnesota, he’ll face a steeper learning curve in a pass-heavy scheme, where precision and decision-making are paramount.
Despite these challenges, the Vikings’ commitment to McCarthy is unwavering. The team’s decision to let Darnold walk in free agency and trade for Sam Howell as a backup underscores their belief in McCarthy as the long-term answer at quarterback. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has also bolstered the roster around McCarthy, securing a four-year, $113 million extension for offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw to ensure the young quarterback has the protection he needs. These moves, coupled with O’Connell’s contract extension, signal that the Vikings are all-in on building a championship culture around their young signal-caller.
The Road Ahead
The Vikings’ “tough love” philosophy is a high-stakes gamble, but one that could pay off handsomely if McCarthy rises to the occasion. His college record—27–1 as a starter at Michigan, including a national championship in 2023—demonstrates his ability to win under pressure. His poise and arm strength, noted as his greatest attributes, give him the tools to succeed in the NFL. However, as FanSided points out, the Vikings’ success in 2025 will depend on whether McCarthy can translate his preparation into on-field results.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on McCarthy to see if he can live up to the hype. The Vikings’ aggressive training approach, combined with their talented roster and coaching staff, positions McCarthy for success. Yet, the question remains: will this “tough love” philosophy propel him to stardom, or will the pressure prove too much for the young quarterback? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—the Minnesota Vikings are doing everything in their power to ensure J.J. McCarthy is ready to lead.