Questions Answered: J.J. McCarthy’s Momentum, The New Guy’s Role, Vikings Position Change
The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by VikingsTerritory. Today is the July 29th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].
Questions Answered: J.J. McCarthy’s Momentum, The New Guy’s Role, Vikings Position Change
Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.
Q: Are you starting to believe that J.J. McCarthy could actually be the Vikings’ Week 1 starter?
Answer: Yes, he has rapidly narrowed the gap, if only for a few days of training camp.
The good news for folks who want McCarthy to start right away is that Sam Darnold isn’t some huge asset to dethrone. If McCarthy continues his stellar summer performance, he can win the job outright.
It’s just that the Vikings have said for three months that McCarthy won’t be rushed into anything. The evidence still suggests Darnold as the QB1 at the New York Giants in Week 1, even if McCarthy dazzles in the next six weeks.
We predict Darnold out of the gate, with the caveat that McCarthy looks even better than expected. This is a sweet situation. McCarthy also talks the part of a franchise quarterback, which is about 25% of the battle.
Q: Is the new guy, Bobby McCain, a safety or cornerback?
Answer: Both — but if he makes the Vikings’ 53-man roster, he’d likely fill slot cornerback responsibilities.
McCain played safety for the last few seasons, though the Dallas Cowboys drafted him as a cornerback nine years ago. Truth be told, in Brian Flores’ complicated defense, McCain’s job title may not matter if he earns a spot on the active roster. Josh Metellus filled a hybrid role last year, though technically classified as a safety.
Vikings.com has taken the diplomatic approach, merely identifying McCain as a defensive back. Don’t fixate on his title; it doesn’t really matter.
Q: Who is more likely to switch from safety to cornerback, Camryn Bynum or Jay Ward?
A: Jay Ward.
Bynum is an established NFL safety who damn near flirted with Pro Bowl consideration last year. Sooner or later, Harrison Smith will retire, and Minnesota will need a replacement. Well, it has one in-house with Bynum, who will likely grab a contract extension later this summer.
On the other hand, Ward is coming into his own, a second-year defensive back craving playing time. He has all the physical traits of a slot cornerback, and the job is seemingly up for grabs with Mekhi Blackmon out of the season.
If any Vikings defensive back switches from safety to corner, our money is on Ward, not Bynum.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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