As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, they will be without their QB1. J.J. McCarthy is missing his second straight game after sustaining an ankle sprain in Week 2. Before being sidelined, McCarthy led the Vikings to a 1-1 record with some up-and-down play.
Completing 58.5% of his passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions, McCarthy has had promising moments and concerning moments, like most talented, young quarterbacks. While everyone acknowledges he has only had two starts, that hasn’t stopped some people from asking tough questions about McCarthy.
If any Vikings fans are concerned about the young quarterback, all they have to do is look around the NFL to soothe their worries. Some of the best quarterback play in the NFL right now is coming from Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold. That statement would’ve been unbelievable years ago — and it still kind of is. However, the one thing they both have in common is pit stops in Minnesota, learning from Kevin O'Connell.
Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold playing well is a good sign for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy and Kevin O'Connell
Darnold reinvented himself in Minnesota last season, starting all 17 games, and having a career year by completing 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. The performance also earned him his first trip to the Pro Bowl and his current contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Jones didn’t start for the Vikings, but he did join the team’s practice squad in November after being cut by the New York Giants. Like Darnold, he praises O'Connell a ton for helping him grow. Now, Jones is having his own turnaround season with the Indianapolis Colts.
If Kevin O'Connell has this kind of impact on two quarterbacks who were close to playing themselves out of the NFL, it’s fair to assume he will lead his own young QB, J.J. McCarthy, in the right direction.