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Vikings Legend Doesn't Hold Back Opinion Of J.J. McCarthy

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Nov 19, 2025 10:53 AM ET

The 2025 season just keeps getting worse for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

For starters, McCarthy missed nearly two months of the season due to injury. Since returning to Minnesota's starting lineup, he has been unable to consistently move the chains. The former first-round pick from Michigan is completing 52.9% of his pass attempts for 842 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions.

"Fundamentally, he’s tying a hand behind his back at times with giving himself an opportunity to be as accurate as he can be," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said after the Week 11 loss. "You can’t be thinking about your fundamentals and techniques in those moments. If you are, that’s going to be pulling away from your ability to play fast and be aggressive with your arm, because it’s going to slow everything down in the process. So we’ve got to continue to try to make that habit, and let the concrete dry, as I say."

Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) speaks with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Former FS1 personality Emmanuel Acho tried to give McCarthy credit over the weekend, but that led to an NFL legend criticizing the second-year quarterback.

"J.J. McCarthy got that clutch gene," Acho wrote on X. "Struggled all game, but this was nasty!"

Vikings legend Cris Carter fired back at Acho's claim: "Did you watch the first 59 mins?"

Carter, an eight-time Pro Bowler, had 13,899 yards and 130 touchdowns during his extraordinary NFL career. When he speaks, Vikings fans tend to listen.

Did you watch the first 59 mins ? https://t.co/vziZ8y2BQN
— Cris Carter (@criscarter80) November 17, 2025

QB coach fires back.

McCarthy's personal quarterback coach, Greg Holcomb, didn't appreciate what Carter had to say on social media. He referred to the Hall of Famer as a "clown."

Holcomb's tweet has been deleted, but the damage has already been done. Fans are aware of what he said to Carter.

The Vikings will be back in action this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. There'll be plenty of pressure on McCarthy if he doesn't have a bounce-back game.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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