In one of the most highly-anticipated preseason debuts in the history of the Minnesota Vikings, rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy gave himself something to learn from during his first offensive drive against the Las Vegas Raiders in Saturday's exhibition matchup.
In front of an eager crowd inside U.S. Bank Stadium, McCarthy entered the game with about two minutes remaining in the first quarter. Minnesota was able to move the ball down the field with the rookie under center, but then the first-year quarterback made the first mistake of his young career.
Jacked! 😤#LVvsMIN | 📺 FOX 5 pic.twitter.com/HEqRcXP2u6
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 10, 2024
J.J. McCarthy throws interception in preseason debut with Minnesota Vikings
Facing a 3rd-and-8 from the Raiders' 44-yard line, McCarthy took the snap, and after avoiding some pressure from the defense, he rolled slightly to his right and threw in the direction of Minnesota wide receiver Trishton Jackson.
But instead of Jackson coming up with the catch, Las Vegas cornerback Jack Jones was able to pick off McCarthy's pass and return it four yards the other way.
When looking at the replay, it looks like the Vikings rookie didn't do a good enough job of leading his receiver by throwing more toward the sideline. However, it's possible that Jackson made a mistake with his route as well. That's something that only Minnesota knows the answer to.
It was a disappointing moment for McCarthy, but it's definitely one of many learning opportunities he'll likely experience during his first year with the franchise. The rookie and the Vikings were able to respond well during their next offensive drive, as they were able to score a touchdown in just three plays.
Saturday's opening drive for McCarthy was a good reminder for Minnesota fans to have patience with the young quarterback. There's been a lot of excitement surrounding him ever since he was drafted by the Vikings, but he's still a rookie, and more mistakes are going to happen.
How McCarthy responds to those mistakes is what will determine how successful he is able to be during his first season in a Minnesota uniform.