Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) looks on before the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings’ current quarterback battle is tighter than expected through a week and a half of training camp.
The rookie combatant, J.J. McCarthy, is just 21 years old and “should” be struggling this summer, not unlike his draft counterpart Drake Maye in New England. But he isn’t.
All signs point to a competitive quarterback battle for Minnesota, who will choose between McCarthy and veteran Sam Darnold in about five weeks. The Vikings’ regular season game is just 39 days away. And thanks to safety Josh Metellus, a team captain, folks learned some insight this week — the battle is indeed tight.
“It’s a great competition. You’ve got two guys at different points of their careers. You’ve got two competitors, and it’s just been great to see both of them approach the game how they’ve been approaching it,” Metellus said on Good Morning Football Tuesday.
If McCarthy wins out, he’d become the first rookie Vikings quarterback ever to start a Week 1 game.
Metellus added about Darnold and McCarthy, “They’re very competitive, very elite in terms of poise, and I think they’re just getting each other better. They’re going to make that whole room better. I’m excited to see what they do, especially J.J., in these preseason games, getting his first NFL game under his belt.”
In the last few days, McCarthy’s training camp performance has taken the team’s fanbase by storm, while Darnold’s output has been considered average or lackluster. But that may be because folks are so excited about McCarthy’s rapid development by comparison.
The head coach also hinted Tuesday that the battle is neck and neck. Kevin O’Connell told reporters, “As far as that depth chart in that room, I think it’s clear and obvious — like you guys do; you make the commitment to come out every day — you see it’s pretty darn even between Sam and J.J. And in many cases, J.J. getting a couple more [reps] with our ability to add some developmental stuff for the guys down the line.”
Most expected Darnold to win the job somewhat handily or be leading the competition at the end of July. McCarthy disagreed.
Darnold remains the favorite to start at the New York Giants in less than five weeks, according to sportsbooks, but McCarthy’s advance is assuredly turning heads.
The Vikings will likely name the starting quarterback for 2024 in early September.
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.