Life in the NFL as a young quarterback is extremely difficult and Minnesota Vikings fans are currently finding this out with J.J. McCarthy as the 22-year-old signal-caller has had plenty of forgettable moments during his time on the field this season.
Sunday was more of the same for McCarthy as he only completed 50 percent of his passes for 150 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in Minnesota's two-point loss to the Chicago Bears.
After the contest, Justin Jefferson was asked about McCarthy's performance, and the Vikings' top wide receiver delivered an answer that proved why he's been voted a team captain before each of the last two seasons.
"It wasn't the best game for all of us. I feel like we should have played better all in all. But at the end of the day, when it all counted and it all mattered, J.J. stepped up.
...As a captain, as a leader of this team, I have to be the first one out there. I got to be the head first, leading us into that direction of winning and being where we need to be.
So, if that takes, you know, taking J.J. out and getting more time with him and creating that connection with him, then that's what I've got to do. But I have to figure out what I have to do in order to get us over that hump."
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson proves why he's a great leader with J.J. McCarthy comments
Jefferson is currently one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL, and beyond the numbers he puts on the stat sheet each week, his worth goes so much further.
The veteran pass-catcher has really embraced his role as one of Minnesota's team captains and this was very evident when he defended McCarthy after Sunday's game.
Jefferson could've pointed fingers or complained about the Vikings having a starting quarterback who is currently a work in progress. But he didn't.
Instead, he deflected some of the criticism of McCarthy's onto himself and other members of the team for not doing enough to help him out. Jefferson also sounded like he's willing to do whatever it takes to help the Minnesota quarterback, which is all the team could really ask for from someone who plays a position that is full of divas and egomaniacs.