Latest news with #JJMcCarthy
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
JJ McCarthy blames Michigan ‘stigma' for ‘public doubt'
The post JJ McCarthy blames Michigan 'stigma' for 'public doubt' appeared first on ClutchPoints. JJ McCarthy was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he wasn't able to play last season because of injury. Now, he is set to be the starting QB for the Vikings this upcoming season, and while there is a lot of hype surrounding him, there are also a lot of doubters. A big reason why people aren't sold on McCarthy is because his stats didn't light up the box score when he was at Michigan. Advertisement The Michigan football team has always had a run-first offense, and that was no different when JJ McCarthy was there. McCarthy didn't throw for over 3,000 yards in either of his full-time starting seasons, but that's because he didn't need to. He didn't have as many yards as a lot of other top QBs, but he also didn't throw the ball as much. A perfect example to illustrate McCarthy's efficiency is that he completed over 72% of his passes during his final season with the Wolverines. When Michigan needed him to throw the ball, he did. Still, people that just look at his yardage totals aren't sold. 'A lot of [the public doubt] just comes with the stigma of playing at Michigan and not throwing the ball a lot,' McCarthy said, according to an article from ESPN. 'But at the same time, it could be my frame. They don't see a 6-5, 240-[pound] guy, so how can you throw at 61 miles an hour at the combine? But at the end of the day, it's going to show up and the people that know, know.' One thing that JJ McCarthy is definitely not lacking is confidence. He has always known that he has the ability to be successful, and he has never worried about what other people think of him. He just performs and wins. Advertisement McCarthy is looking to prove a lot of people wrong this season as he gets ready for his first year in the NFL. A lot of good things have been said about him so far this offseason, and it sounds like McCarthy is in a good spot. 'It's been awesome,' McCarthy said, 'because they've really pushed the limits on just what I can handle, and that's what I asked for. I'd rather sweat in training and limit the bleeding on the battlefield when we get there.' A new QB era is about to begin in Minnesota. The Vikings selected JJ McCarthy because they thought that he had the potential to be their next franchise QB. Because of last year's injury, the wait has been long as fans are eager to see the first-round pick in action, and McCarthy is ready to show Minnesota that it got a good one. Related: Kevin O'Connell's 'challenge' to J.J. McCarthy before crowning QB1 Related: 2 Vikings veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 hottest Minnesota Vikings takes coming out of 2025 minicamp
The post 3 hottest Minnesota Vikings takes coming out of 2025 minicamp appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up their 2025 minicamp with a roster brimming with intrigue, competition, and a dash of controversy. As the NFC North tightens and expectations soar, the Vikings' summer sessions have produced plenty of storylines. Here are the three hottest takes coming out of Eagan as the team eyes a return to the playoffs. J.J. McCarthy's Cautious Start Isn't a Red Flag Matt Krohn-Imagn Images All eyes in Minnesota are on J.J. McCarthy, the rookie quarterback handed the keys to a 14-win team that fell short in the postseason last year. While some fans expected fireworks, McCarthy's minicamp performance was measured, leaning heavily on short throws and conservative reads. Critics might see this as a sign of hesitancy or lack of readiness, especially when compared to Sam Darnold's aggressive approach last summer or even Sam Howell's willingness to air it out during recent drills. Advertisement But here's the hot take: McCarthy's slow integration is a deliberate, strategic move by head coach Kevin O'Connell and his staff. The Vikings aren't asking McCarthy to be a gunslinger out of the gate, they're building his confidence and command of the offense methodically. Veteran defender Javon Hargrave even compared McCarthy's poise to Brock Purdy, emphasizing the rookie's calm under pressure. Coaches like Josh McCown are focused on refining McCarthy's mechanics and decision-making, not rushing him into risky situations. This approach isn't a sign of trouble, it's a sign the Vikings have learned from past mistakes with young quarterbacks. By the time the regular season arrives, McCarthy could be one of the most prepared rookie starters in recent memory, ready to unleash his full arsenal when the stakes are highest. Jordan Addison Is Poised for a Breakout Jordan Addison's rookie campaign was impressive, but the big question entering 2025 was whether he could maintain that production without Kirk Cousins. Early minicamp returns suggest Addison is not just surviving, he's thriving. The chemistry between Addison and McCarthy has been a focal point, with both players spending extra time together after practices to fine-tune their connection. Advertisement Addison's route-running and ability to separate have made him a reliable target, and his rapport with McCarthy is growing by the day. But here's the real kicker: Addison's skill set is so robust that he's poised to be a star no matter who's throwing him the ball. With Sam Howell showing off his deep-ball prowess in minicamp and McCarthy's accuracy in the short game, Addison is positioned to be the focal point of the passing attack in any scenario. The Vikings' offense is designed to maximize playmakers, and Addison is emerging as one of the most versatile and dynamic receivers in the NFC North. Don't be surprised if he eclipses his rookie numbers and becomes a Pro Bowl candidate—even as the team transitions to a new era at quarterback. Dallas Turner and the Defense Could Be the Real Engine Behind a Playoff Push While much of the offseason buzz has centered on the offense, the Vikings' defense has quietly asserted itself as the backbone of the team during minicamp. Dallas Turner, who was overshadowed by veterans in his rookie year, has emerged as a key figure in Brian Flores' aggressive scheme. His performance in drills and scrimmages suggests he's ready to join the rotation of pass rushers that keeps offensive lines guessing and quarterbacks on edge. Advertisement The defense as a whole dominated the minicamp finale, with newcomers like Isaiah Rodgers stepping into starting roles and linebackers like Blake Cashman making plays in coverage. Turner's development is particularly significant—if he can bring consistent pressure off the edge, the Vikings' defense could transform from solid to elite. Flores' philosophy of rotating pass rushers to keep them fresh has worked for Super Bowl contenders in the past, and Turner's emergence gives Minnesota the depth and explosiveness needed to execute that plan. If the defense continues to gel and Turner becomes a disruptive force, the Vikings could ride their defense deep into January, even as the offense finds its footing with a new quarterback. As training camp approaches, the competition will only intensify, and these storylines are sure to evolve. The Vikings' coaching staff has set the stage for a season where both veterans and young talent will be pushed to their limits. If these hot takes hold true, Minnesota could not only exceed expectations but also reestablish themselves as a true contender in the NFC. The coming months promise drama, development, and perhaps a few surprises that could define the 2025 campaign. Related: JJ McCarthy blames Michigan 'stigma' for 'public doubt' Related: Kevin O'Connell's 'challenge' to J.J. McCarthy before crowning QB1
CBS News
3 days ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Former Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper says J.J. McCarthy will be "a master"
The man responsible for one of the greatest quarterback seasons in Minnesota Vikings history is effusive about the team's future at the position. Daunte Culpepper recently sat down with WCCO's Mike Max and gave his thoughts about J.J. McCarthy, the first-round pick set to take the reins in 2025. "I saw him at practice last week and he looks great," Culpepper said. "He has that it factor, I always say, he has it. And I can see it in his eyes, he's ready to go out and tear it up." McCarthy is the highest drafted QB in Vikings history — 10th overall, one pick higher than Culpepper was taken in 1999. Expectations are high for the sophomore passer, who missed his entire rookie season due to injury. He steps into a great situation with a rebuilt offensive line, one of the game's best playcallers in head coach Kevin O'Connell and a dangerous suite of skill players, including all-world receiver Justin Jefferson. "I think it won't be a hard transition for him in the NFL," Culpepper said. "As long as we keep him healthy and keep him off the ground, with those weapons around him, I see great things." Culpepper knows a thing or two about doing great things with the weapons around you. With Hall of Famer Randy Moss catching his passes, Culpepper played at an MVP level in 2004, completing 69.2% of his throws for 4,717 yards, 39 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The yardage and TDs are still franchise records. A year later, Culpepper suffered a brutal knee injury that ultimately derailed his career. "It definitely changed the trajectory of my career," Culpepper said. "Didn't know it then, I thought, you always think you're gonna overcome everything. I was able to at least come back and play some, but I was never myself." McCarthy is recovering from his own injury, though a much less impactful one. Culpepper believes McCarthy is ready to give the Vikings something they haven't had since his early playing days: a true franchise quarterback. "I think that he's gonna surprise a lot of people. Because his ability, I watched him make every throw, he has a lot of zip on his passes and he is very knowledgeable of the offense, he knows where everybody's at," Culpepper said. "I think he's gonna be a master, I think he's working his way to be a master, and just remember I said it first, he's gonna tear up the league."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michigan Transfer Target Has Surprising JJ McCarthy, Caleb Williams Connection
Michigan Transfer Target Has Surprising JJ McCarthy, Caleb Williams Connection originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Michigan Wolverines hosted former Miami Hurricanes and East Carolina Pirates quarterback Jake Garcia this past week, teasing the possibility of adding another quarterback to their current room of players. Advertisement The Wolverines have been busy working with five-star freshman Bryce Underwood, former highly ranked QB Jadyn Davis and transfer Mikey Keene in hopes of stabilizing their playing rotation heading into the 2025-26 season. Garcia was highly ranked coming out of high school, and has a surprising connection to former number one overall pick Caleb Williams and top ten draft pick JJ McCarthy, who led Michigan to the 2023-24 National Championship. Jake Garica of the ECU Pirates in Sept. 2024. © James Guillory-Imagn Images Garcia was ranked 16th among all quarterback prospects according to coming out of high school in 2021, before committing to the Miami Hurricanes. Advertisement He was part of an outstanding group of future college quarterbacks at the time including McCarthy, who ranked 6th among all QBs. Departed Texas Longhorns star Quinn Ewers ranked number one overall, followed by future Heisman winner Caleb Williams in the second spot followed by future first round pick Drake Maye at the fourth spot. Garcia was ranked ahead of 2025 Heisman favorite Garrett Nussmeier of LSU and other familiar names including Illinois' Luke Altmyer at 30. Current Wolverines wide receiver Donoven McCulley was listed as the 24th overall QB in the class before heading to Indiana and switching positions. Advertisement Garcia has plenty of experience with three seasons under his belt including two with the Hurricanes and one with the Pirates in 2024. His statistics paint the picture of a player who must improve by leaps and bounds to become an effective college player. He recorded 1,426 passing yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season with ECU, completing 60.2 percent of his passes, suggesting he must greatly improve his accuracy and cut down on mistakes to become a high level quarterback. Related: 4 Freshmen Who Could Start for Michigan Football This Season This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Key protector for Vikings' JJ McCarthy takes big step in return from 2024 season-ending injury
The post Key protector for Vikings' JJ McCarthy takes big step in return from 2024 season-ending injury appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Minnesota Vikings are in the middle of minicamp as the team prepares for the upcoming season. JJ McCarthy is leading the way as the starting quarterback for the first time in his career after sitting out last season with an injury. On Tuesday, the second-year quarterback got some good news about one of his key protectors also returning from injury. Advertisement Minnesota announced that left tackle Christian Darrisaw returned to practice. He was spotted participating in individual drills, as he works his way back from a torn ACL he suffered in the Vikings' 30-20 Week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. That's big news for the Vikings, as Darrisaw is one of the more consistent offensive linemen in the league. The 26-year-old left tackle should play a key role upon his return and help protect McCarthy throughout next season. Especially with this being JJ McCarthy's first time ever playing as a starting quarterback in the NFL. McCarthy, who is 22 years old, is coming off a torn ACL injury himself. He was potentially in the mix to start for the Vikings last season; however, he was ruled out for his entire rookie year before the season even started. Sam Darnold filled in and played well enough to earn a three-year, $100.5 million contract. Advertisement Minnesota might just be getting healthy at the right time. There's still plenty of time between now and Week 1. But the Vikings are hoping for big things next season after finding success in the 2024-25 campaign. Especially if McCarthy proves to be the franchise quarterback the team needs. The last time he took the field, McCarthy was playing for the Michigan Wolverines under Jim Harbaugh. McCarthy helped lead the Wolverines to a championship in his final year of college football. That season, he recorded 2,991 passing yards and 25 total touchdowns (22 passing) while owning an impressive 72.3% completion percentage (led the Big-Ten Conference in completion percentage that season). Related: Vikings give $23.25 million contract extension to J.J. McCarthy weapon Related: Justin Jefferson's important message to Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy
