One Viking Put the NFC North on Notice
When the Minnesota Vikings exited Thursday Night Football two weeks ago, the fan base felt dejected, even whispering about the job security of the head coach and general manager. Fast forward to Week 10, and the world is saying that quarterback J.J. McCarthy has put the NFC North on notice.
The Minnesota Vikings saved their season last weekend, and according to CBS Sports, one player in particular put the whole damn division on notice.
That’s the latest and greatest declaration from CBS Sports, and truth be told, that theory really isn’t outlandish.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Evidently Has the NFC North’s Eyebrows Raised
It’s about time for Minnesota to hit on a quarterback in the draft.
CBS Sports Claims McCarthy Put the Division “On Notice”
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports sized up big-ticket storylines around the league after Week 9, determining whether they fit an “overreaction” or “reality” criteria. For example, he discussed whether Josh Allen had broken even with Patrick Mahomes via quarterback performance and if the Chicago Bears were justified after all in taking tight end Colston Loveland over Tyler Warren in April’s draft.
On McCarthy, he wrote, “J.J. McCarthy has put the NFC North on notice. Overreaction or reality: Reality. What a difference a day can make in the NFC North. Coming into Sunday, the Vikings were at the bottom of the division and the only club under .500 at 3-4.”
“However, fast-forward through the afternoon and J.J. McCarthy helped lead Minnesota to an upset win over the Lions on the road. While they still sit in fourth, the Vikings are suddenly back at .500 and firmly in the mix in the NFC North race after Green Bay lost as well. Just as important, McCarthy looked good in his return.”
McCarthy delivered 3 touchdowns last weekend for a team that needed an injection. The youngster delivered, keeping Minnesota’s season afloat.
Sullivan added, “The second-year quarterback had been sidelined since Week 2 due to a high ankle sprain and didn’t look like he had any limitations. While his passing numbers were not eye-popping (just 143 yards through the air), McCarthy connected on two touchdowns and added another on the ground. McCarthy’s day wasn’t perfect, as he tossed an interception and fumbled (recovered), but that’s sort of what should put the rest of the division on notice.”
“The Vikings can get slightly above-average play at quarterback and go into hostile, divisional road environments and win. Sneakily, Minnesota has a 2-0 record in the NFC North, the best in the division.”
Rarefied Air in Winning 2 Division Road Games
Did McCarthy’s efforts to help the Vikings win at Chicago in Week 1 and at Detroit in Week 9 seem a bit odd or unprecedented? If so, the numbers confirm the suspicion.
McCarthy joined elite company last weekend, representing just the third quarterback in NFL history to lead his team to victory in his first two starts against divisional opponents. The other two men? Dan Marino and Patrick Mahomes.
It’s abnormal for a first-time quarterback to guide his team to victory on the road against divisional opponents. McCarthy did it anyway.
Big Plays When It Matters
No one expected McCarthy to play flawlessly out of the gate this season — and he hasn’t. Far from it.
But outside of an awful Week 2 game, McCarthy has consistently delivered in crunchtime, paying homage to his theatrics at the University of Michigan, which helped the Wolverines win the National Championship in 2023.
For instance, with a chance to end the Lions’ hopes last weekend, McCarthy converted a clutch 3rd Down throw to Jalen Nailor in the 4th Quarter, effectively ending the game. It’s what Vikings fans have been praying for since 2009 with Brett Favre — a man they can wholeheartedly trust with the game on the line.
No Follow-Up Faceplants
Of course, McCarthy must avoid a redux of his early-season hangover.
In Week 1, his 4th Quarter heroism daggered the Bears in comeback fashion. Fans were elated. They believed the team “found its guy.”
Six days later, McCarthy played like a middle schooler against the Atlanta Falcons, with his offensive line and defense not doing him any favors. While McCarthy will have many ups and downs, he must avoid a total faceplant this Sunday at home against Baltimore.
NFL.com on McCarthy
Kevin Patra noted on McCarthy after the Week 9 triumph, “J.J. McCarthy came out on fire, dropping perfect dimes and making the right reads, leading back-to-back touchdown drives to open the contest.”
“Making his third career start, the QB used his legs well to get out of the pocket and scrambled for a touchdown. Things got hairy a few times, with the second-year signal-caller missing a few throws behind his targets, particularly on the move. He also took five sacks and had a few miscommunications in the backfield.”
It’s worth noting that the Vikings’ offensive line is finally nearing optimal health; that was not the case during McCarthy’s first two starts.
“But all in all, it was J.J.’s most complete performance in a hostile environment. With a ground game that generated 142 rushing yards, McCarthy wasn’t asked to make a ton of big-time throws. But when KOC needed one, McCarthy delivered — just as he often did at Michigan. Facing a third-and-5 with 1:41 remaining, up three points, instead of running into the teeth of the defense, the Vikings trusted their 2024 first-round pick,” Patra added.
“He delivered with a beautiful back-shoulder ball to Jalen Nailor to ice the game. It wasn’t just a big win in the standings, it was massive for the faith in McCarthy moving forward.”
McCarthy still hasn’t lost a game in the state of Michigan.
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