Without a doubt, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was the team's biggest disappointment of the 2025 season.
Expectations and excitement were through the roof as he was returning to the Vikings after missing his entire rookie season with an injury. Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell deemed him the franchise quarterback at the same time he announced that he'd miss his rookie year.
That was what everyone was expecting to see from McCarthy in 2025: a caliber of play that was worthy of a true franchise NFL quarterback. But what we got was something far different.
J.J. McCarthy was the biggest disappointment of the 2025 season for the Minnesota Vikings
There are a plethora of reasons why McCarthy was the team's biggest disappointment, and his inability to stay healthy is at the top of the list.
After missing his rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, the last thing anyone wanted to see was another injury. Unfortunately, that is not what we got.
After a dismal performance against the Atlanta Falcons in a Week 2 loss, it was revealed that McCarthy had suffered a high ankle sprain and would be out for a few weeks.
Many speculated this was a "soft benching" due to his poor play, but from all accounts, it was a legit and excruciating injury. McCarthy would go on to miss the next five games.
He returned in Week 8, but that return would be short-lived. After the Vikings' loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 12, McCarthy reported concussion-like symptoms and missed Minnesota's game at the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.
He returned a week later, but then hurt his hand against the New York Giants in Week 16, which forced him to miss half of that game, and the following week for the Christmas Day game against the Detroit Lions.
Despite a hairline fracture in his hand, McCarthy got the start against the Packers in Week 18, but took himself out of the game in the second half.
They often say a players best ability is availability, and McCarthy has serious question marks in that regard. It's hard to be a franchise quarterback when you only play 10 games in two years.
While his injuries are the biggest cause of concern, other issues make McCarthy the biggest disappointment.
It was mentioned briefly earlier, but he just didn't play well in 2025. McCarthy looked like an inexperienced quarterback, not having control of the huddle, and holding onto the ball too long, resulting in unnecessary sacks.
His accuracy was also poor, missing wide-open receivers or throwing it too hard on the passes that were on point.
McCarthy's mechanics were a mess, with a pitcher's like wind up and a big old leg kick. Things got so bad, Kevin O'Connell just said, "Forget it," and told him to focus on who is open and where the ball needs to go.
McCarthy was basically a rookie this year, so a lot of this can be forgiven or even expected, but if he was this far off from being ready, then his coach shouldn't have made him the starter.
McCarthy's maturity was also a concern and disappointment in 2025. During his rookie season, he took the podium with grace and had a way of speaking that many veteran quarterbacks never seem to reach.
He seemed to have the perfect answer to just about any question that was tossed his way, but when he started playing, a different side of McCarthy emerged.
Midway through the season, he revealed that he has an alter ego called "Nine". This blew up in his face, and his picture in the locker room after the Lions game with that intense look on his face became a meme for when players basically suck.
Then we got to see him Griddy into the end zone against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15, and he drew a taunting penalty against Green Bay in the season finale. His intensity is what makes him who he is, but when it isn't backed up by his play on the field, it becomes very cringey.
McCarthy was the biggest disappointment in 2025 because his season left us with more questions than answers.
Could he be the future of this franchise? Yes, for sure, he showed plenty of promise, with some beautiful throws and him willing his team to a couple of victories.
The mechanics can be cleaned up this offseason, and he'll settle down a bit as he ages. The injuries, though, are always going to be an issue, and that is why the team will not hesitate to bring in a reliable quarterback to push McCarthy for his starting job, and not just be his designated backup.