One Source Thickens the Plot on Vikings QB1 Battle
Darnold or McCarthy? That was a May talking point and question among Minnesota Vikings fans — later all but shot down by the team’s head coach, Kevin O’Connell, in June.
One Source Thickens the Plot on Vikings QB1 Battle
O’Connell said at minicamp, “We haven’t had to put out a depth chart or anything like that, but I would say Sam would be the guy I would look to based on the spring he’s had and, really, where he’s at in his career and his quarterback journey, and what he’s been able to do coming in and [hitting] the ground running and taking advantage of the competitive situation.”
Vikings fans collectively nodded their heads, realizing that Darnold, who was signed as a patchover quarterback, would, well, probably play the role of patchover quarterback in September.
However, Darnold over McCarthy to start the 2024 regular season isn’t a done deal, according to Athlon Sports. Citing a rival Vikings scout, Athlon published in its annual magazine this week, “Maneuvering for Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy gives the Vikings their quarterback of the future after Kirk Cousins left in free agency to join the Falcons. McCarthy is a true winner with a live arm and plus mobility.”
That was the setup; this was the kicker. “Whether he’s ready to start the opener is up in the air, but Sam Darnold can hold down the fort until McCarthy is ready. From the impression he’s made at every stage of the draft process, I think McCarthy will be starting by September,” the scout declared.
Until this week, plus the Athlon revelation, most of the team’s onlookers have digested Darnold as the starter in 2024, at least to the start of the season. Otherwise, O’Connell’s commentary from minicamp would seem strange in retrospect.
Others, like Vikings safety Camryn Bynum, have been more judicious about the QB1 battle. “Having the two new quarterbacks, it’s fun being able to play against them and see what they bring to the table. They’re both looking really good,” Bynum told NFL Network on June 21st. “It’s exciting to see them compete. They’re both looking good, so I can’t put one over the other. I just say they both look ready. Whatever coaches decide, I trust them and their decision.”
ESPN’s Dan Graziano claimed earlier this month that Minnesota has “benchmarks” for McCarthy. “The Vikings have a very detailed and specific developmental plan tailored to J.J. McCarthy,” Graziano explained. “The way it works is if McCarthy hits certain benchmarks by certain dates, sure, he could be the Week 1 starter. But if not, they’re happy to go with Sam Darnold until J.J. McCarthy is ready. So watch J.J. McCarthy throughout camp, and the preseason, see how he’s advancing.”
Per oddsmakers, McCarthy has around 30% odds (+220) to take down Darnold for the QB1 assignment, a longshot to be sure.
Even Randy Moss has an opinion. “My thing is, when we played, the first three guys that drafted — they’re playing. There’s no if, ands, or buts about it. Now, the 5th and 6th Round, we’ll see. May or may not see the field. Maybe a special teamer. First three rounds back then were played,” Moss replied this week when asked about Darnold or McCarthy in Week 1.
“Now, we’re drafting guys in the 1st Round, and they’re not even seeing the field. To answer your question — I don’t care if he’s not ready. He needs to be out there. Week 1,” Moss continued by endorsing McCarthy.
Overall, while Darnold is the frontrunner because of the head coach’s June musings, others refuse to rule out the young Wolverine for Week 1.
Vikings training camp kicks off Sunday.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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