J.J. McCarthy’s slow start as the Minnesota Vikings’ franchise quarterback was easy to see coming.
His season-ending meniscus injury in 2024 hurt his trajectory in more ways than one. Stashed on injured reserve for the majority of his rookie season, McCarthy was prohibited from participating in any organized team activity until this year’s spring OTAs.
That’s left Minnesota’s No. 10 overall draft pick in catch-up mode in terms of live NFL reps, and he clearly remains a work in progress with the Vikings now 2-4 with 11 total giveaways and just 16 points per game over his six starts this season.
Many are already labeling McCarthy as a “bust” — including all-time great Cris Carter — as the Vikings were viewed as a ready-made situation for any quarterback to step in and have success. From Kevin O’Connell to a star-studded group of skill position players that includes arguably the best wide receiver in football in Justin Jefferson, McCarthy’s 61.7 quarterback rating in 2025 is a rough look.
That door swings both ways, however, and entering Week 12, the Vikings’ best offensive players will have to do a lot more to help their young quarterback stop this season from circling the drain.
The Minnesota Vikings skill position group must do more to support QB J.J. McCarthy going forward
Dropped passes haven’t been a glaring issue this season for the Vikings — but they were in Sunday’s brutal loss at home to the Chicago Bears.
Pro Football Focus charged the Vikings with a season-high six drops against the Bears, including two blatant ones that hit wide receiver Jordan Addison right in the hands. He wasn’t alone, though; Jefferson, Adam Thielen, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones also dropped catchable balls in the game, per PFF.
That’s inexcusable in a 19-17 loss at home to an NFC North opponent. McCarthy continues to get crushed by fans and the national media for failing to get the job done, but his supporting cast was always expected to lift him in the early going, not the other way around.
It’s still way too early to be throwing the bust label around on McCarthy. He obviously needs to be better, but so does everybody else on offense, from the head coach on down.
Minnesota’s skill position group had never dropped more than two passes in a game all season before Sunday, according to PFF. Of all the potential reasons for the Vikings to lose games in 2025, this one wasn’t on the bingo card.