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Vikings DT Harrison Phillips make bold comparison with J.J. McCarthy, as he continues to impress like former NFL MVP

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Tyler Forness | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 9:24 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings are firmly in the midst of stage three of organized team activities with eight days until mandatory minicamp is set to begin. There are a lot of different things to monitor across the entirety of the roster, but the biggest one is starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

There were plenty of people who wanted to bring in Aaron Rodgers to be the guy this season. The Vikings did pursue it, but they believed that McCarthy was the better option, all things considered. It was the smart decision, and he's getting the chance to prove it as the guy.

J.J. McCarthy brings comparison to Josh Allen

How McCarthy's been doing has been the biggest talking point so far, and Phillips highlighted what many have been saying: he's got it.

"Well, he's gotten jacked up. I don't know if you've seen a change is his demeanor, but I thought it was really cool for his growth. I've commented before about how he would he came to me the week after his injury to try to learn more about the defense, and he's pulled me at times, Hey, I saw you were in a 4i on this play, and you moved to a two (2i) on what were you doing there? Why? How can I see a nickel if you're doing that? So, asking those great questions."

The demeanor being better is really impressive, and something that should be expected from a top 10 pick. It's also not a guarantee either, as some just don't have it. What makes this more impressive is that Phillips sees some Josh Allen in McCarthy.

"He's really stepped up in the personal power role, where just in the locker room, I'm constantly seeing him go on to new guys, to new players, introduce, dapping each other up, sitting on the couches and just having conversation. Where last year, it was off to rehab, off to meetings. He understands that we have to build a family here, and you can't have unique results without unique relationships that we believe in. And then, man, he's got some confidence. He reminds me of like Josh Allen when I was with him in Buffalo, coming into his own and understanding the power that he has to lead this organization. And he's doing a fantastic job doing that."

Anytime you get your starting quarterback compared to Allen is a good thing. He showed a major jump going from year two to year three and that sparked the current run the Bills are on. It hasn't resulted in a Super Bowl yet, but that'll happen when Patrick Mahomes is in the conference.

The Vikings are looking to be in good hands, and it's a good start to the offseason.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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