First impressions go a long way in sports, and Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy needs to show his skills at OTAs.
Last season was a wash after missing the year with a torn meniscus, but Sam Darnold led the Vikings to the postseason with a 14-3 season. After an offseason filled with rumors and speculation on who will be the new signal caller, it is now McCarthy's job to win and run with it.
Voluntary OTAs got underway in the NFL on Tuesday, which includes the Vikings. Fans and media will only be watching one thing in Minnesota, and it's all about McCarthy.
J.J. McCarthy will have everyone's attention during Minnesota Vikings OTAs
CBS Sports' Garrett Podell recently listed one thing to watch out for at each of the NFC teams' OTAs. The Vikings will be watching to see how McCarthy looks for the first time since presumably taking over the starting quarterback job and suffering an injury.
"The Vikings traded up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select McCarthy 10th overall, and then he tore his meniscus last preseason. That opened the door for veteran journeyman Sam Darnold to take the reins, and he produced the first Pro Bowl season of his seven-year NFL career.
Minnesota possesses perhaps the best offensive ecosystem in the NFL with Pro Bowlers at running back (Aaron Jones), wide receiver (Justin Jefferson), tight end (T.J. Hockenson), center (Ryan Kelly) and right tackle (Brian O'Neill). That list doesn't include young first-round talents at wide receiver (Jordan Addison) and guard (Donovan Jackson). Plus, head coach and offensive play caller Kevin O'Connell is the reigning NFL Coach of the Year.
How healthy will McCarthy look, especially after being robbed of crucial developmental reps as a rookie because of his injury? The Vikings are all in on McCarthy, so it's critical he shows he might have what it takes to be a reliable NFL starter."
Last year, Vikings fans only got to see McCarthy in one game in their purple uniforms when he went up against the Las Vegas Raiders in the preseason. The former first-round pick threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns to one interception.
Minnesota has done an exceptional job building the roster around McCarthy, with the focus on bringing back Jones on a new deal and trading for Jordan Mason in the backfield.
The offensive line got a makeover with Kelly and Will Fries getting signed from free agency, while first-round pick Jackson was selected to be the new starting left guard. That doesn't include the loaded talent at receiver with Jefferson, Addison, and Hockenson.
The Vikings' season is made or broken based on how McCarthy performs on the field. While OTAs are not the end-all, be-all indicator of how a player looks, it could go a long way to setting the tone for the season.
So far, McCarthy has performed well in workouts with teammates over the past month. Expect him to show progress during OTAs.