Stats show how J.J. McCarthy largely let Vikings down across first two starts

Second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy tossed two touchdown passes and rushed for a score in the fourth quarter of the Minnesota Vikings' 27-24 victory at the rival Chicago Bears last Monday night after he left much to be desired with his play over the first three quarters of that game. 

McCarthy then looked like a work in progress throughout his club's 22-6 home loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday evening. Following that result, ESPN's Kevin Seifert shared some worrisome stats regarding what McCarthy offered the Vikings over his first two regular-season starts.

Vikings will need better from J.J. McCarthy

"The Vikings scored 21 points in the fourth quarter of their Week 1 victory over the Chicago Bears, but they have just 12 points over the other seven quarters," Seifert wrote. "McCarthy has taken nine sacks, including six Sunday night. The Falcons intercepted two of his passes, and he fumbled three times, including twice when he dropped the ball without being hit, and he lost one. His off-target rate was 28.6%, tied for the second-highest rate among qualified quarterbacks in Week 2."

Signal-caller Sam Darnold became a revelation while working with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell as Minnesota won 14 games during the 2024 campaign. According to Pro Football Reference, Darnold ended Week 18 of that season ranked fifth in the NFL with 4,319 passing yards, fifth with 35 touchdowns through the air and sixth with a 102.5 passer rating. 

To compare, ESPN stats show that McCarthy ranks 32nd in the NFL among 33 qualified players with a 20.4 adjusted QBR and last in the league with a 67.2 passer rating for the ongoing campaign. Ahead of the "Monday Night Football" doubleheader, only Tennessee Titans rookie Cam Ward took more sacks (11) than McCarthy over the season's first two weeks. 

J.J. McCarthy needs more reps

"The Vikings' five turnovers are tied for the NFL lead, and their 30.4% conversion rate on third down ranks No. 29 in the league," Seifert continued. "As a result, the Vikings have the NFL's lowest average number of plays per game (47.5), minimizing McCarthy's development opportunities."

A 2024 first-round draft pick, McCarthy spent his entire rookie season recovering from a full meniscus repair. Thus, it was always likely the Minnesota offense would experience some growing pains with the 22-year-old in the lineup.

That said, the Vikings looked like a win-now team for much of last season when Darnold was in their lineup. One can't help but wonder if Minnesota would be 2-0 if Darnold and not McCarthy faced the Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. 

The 1-1 Vikings will next host a 2-0 Cincinnati Bengals side that will be without injured starting quarterback Joe Burrow this coming Sunday.