Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) scrambles against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings kicked off their preseason slate on Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Although Sam Darnold was always going to get the start, how J.J. McCarthy looked would draw plenty of intrigue. The short answer was impressive.
After Darnold took his reps under center, Kevin O’Connell turned the game over to his rookie quarterback, J.J. McCarthy. The Michigan product entered to loud cheers, and it was clear who fans were there to see during the exhibition matchup.
McCarthy’s first impact was felt negatively. As he has been lauded for his big arm and talent the right side possesses, things don’t work the same at the professional level. McCarthy threw a pass off his back foot without a solid foundation. The throw was behind his intended target, and the Vikings’ young signal caller was intercepted.
From there, everything changed. McCarthy seemed to have a newfound poise in the pocket, and he suggested that from that point on, he played free. Showing an ability to move in the pocket and connect on big passes down the field, it was hard not to see an immediate level of maturation.
McCarthy’s first touchdown was a deep ball to Trishton Jackson. The Vikings quarterback delivered the 45-yard pass in stride, and it was a perfect connection. McCarthy and the wideout had clear chemistry. Five minutes later, he hooked up with Trent Sherifeld Sr. on a 33-yard connection that gave Minnesota their first lead of the game.
Although it was just an exhibition tilt, it would be impossible to have anything but excitement for the future. If McCarthy can make those sorts of in-game adjustments, and that’s what he looked like in his first game action, then the arrow has to be pointing straight up.
More momentum like that generated by McCarthy on Saturday will certainly push the envelope for Darnold to be near flawless. If he slips, then the job will be entirely up for grabs.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.