How Vikings' J.J. McCarthy 'has checked critical boxes early on' in training camp

Those running the Minnesota Vikings took somewhat of a gamble when they decided to trust that quarterback J.J. McCarthy would be ready to win meaningful games in September after the 2024 first-round draft pick spent his entire rookie season recovering from a meniscus repair.

For an article published on Monday morning, Vikings reporter Alec Lewis of The Athletic explained how McCarthy "has checked critical boxes early on" while serving as Minnesota's QB1 during training camp. 

"The Vikings have gotten in and out of the huddle on time, and the operation at the line of scrimmage has been smooth," Lewis wrote. "McCarthy used cadences Saturday to create a free play, and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown patted him on the helmet afterward. Processing the defensive picture hasn’t been an issue either. McCarthy executed Saturday’s red zone period as well as anyone could have hoped."

Vikings All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson raised some eyebrows when he said ahead of the weekend that outsiders "definitely have to have patience" regarding McCarthy's development. Such a comment understandably could've caused an outsider to wonder if the Vikings should've done more to hold onto Sam Darnold after he guided the club to a 14-3 record and a playoff berth last season. 

After Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5M contract to join the Seattle Seahawks early into free agency, stories linked the Vikings with current Atlanta Falcons backup Kirk Cousins and with future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. Cousins played under Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell from September 2022 up until the 36-year-old suffered a torn Achilles in October 2023. Meanwhile, O’Connell and Rodgers have known each other for over a decade. 

That said, O'Connell handed the offense over to McCarthy before the start of training camp. 

"The Vikings are fortunate that defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ unit simulates the need for angled throws more than most," Lewis wrote about O’Connell and McCown wanting McCarthy to "add some air" to passes in certain instances. "Defenders positioned on the line of scrimmage often drop, and safeties regularly step down from depth. The changing picture provides a textured feel, which forces McCarthy’s hand."

McCarthy seemingly has passed tests thrown his way during his first training camp as Minnesota's undisputed starter. If he doesn't look the part during upcoming exhibition games, however, the Vikings could potentially call the Falcons about Cousins' availability in August. 

Minnesota opens the preseason with a matchup versus the Houston Texans on Aug. 9.