The Football World Reacts to J.J. McCarthy’s First Win
All eyes were on J.J. McCarthy as he made his league debut for the Minnesota Vikings. Those who had dismissed the former Michigan quarterback’s talent were sharpening the pitchforks after Minnesota’s offense struggled through the first three quarters.
VikingsTerritory examines the football world’s reaction to JJ McCarthy’s first win as the Minnesota Vikings’ QB.
Nothing was going right for Minnesota. Plays looked to be taking too long to get out in the huddle; they couldn’t run the ball effectively, McCarthy was getting sacked, and even the usually reliable hands of Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen couldn’t hold on to catches when the Vikings needed them.
Fear not, Vikings fans. Following a pick six that looked like it would be a devastating blow, the tide turned. McCarthy and his offensive teammates came to life with three straight offensive touchdowns and turned the game on its head — the first player to score three touchdowns in the fourth quarter of his league debut.
Here’s What the World Said about J.J. McCarthy after the MNF Dub
Declarations that this team would struggle to win seven games, and that they should have stuck with Sam Darnold, were everywhere as we entered the fourth quarter. All that was silenced with a barnstorming comeback win on Monday Night Football, which saw the Vikings defeat the Chicago Bears by a score of 27-24 at Soldier Field.
As QBs often do, McCarthy was on the receiving end of a lot of the praise. He showed the world everything he needed to show in his first game. Most importantly, he stepped up to adversity and helped his team come back when they were down.
He didn’t do it alone. Minnesota defense kept them in the game, and then the Vikings’ revamped offensive line – still without Chrostian Darrisaw this week – stepped up in a big way in the fourth quarter, as did running back Jordan Mason. However, Monday night was all about McCarthy proving that he belonged, and he did so by bringing his best football when it mattered most.
McCarthy’s performance was historic, matching a record only surpassed by Hall of Famer Steve Young over the last 75 years.
Reactions of McCarthy’s teammates
It should be no surprise to Vikings fans to see the reaction of this Vikings team during and after this game. That togetherness is the foundation of everything Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell have built in Minnesota over the last four years. The difference I’m seeing is that the spotlight and weight of expectation seem more natural for McCarthy than for his predecessors.
Jefferson shared an interesting insight post-game of McCarthy’s behavior in the huddle following his pick-six.
A moment that could have seen the young QB withdraw into his shell when the lights were shining bright, instead proved to be the catalyst to show his teammates that he was the right guy to lead this team.
There is no shortage of arm talent and athleticism among quarterbacks who come into the league. What sets the winners apart is poise, a strong mentality, and the ability to stare adversity in the face and come out on the other side.
Everyone around the Vikings organisation has been telling the football world that JJ McCarthy is that guy. Monday night saw the first steps taken that proved the Vikings right.
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