Vikings' Justin Jefferson defends struggling J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson is preaching patience with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. 

McCarthy fell to 2-4 in six starts after losing to the Green Bay Packers 23-6 in a Week 12 road game. The Vikings are now 4-7 and last in the NFC North. The team's disappointing season doesn't have Jefferson giving up on the 22-year-old QB.  

Justin Jefferson defends J.J. McCarthy

"It's early," the two-time first-team All-Pro told the media Wednesday. "He's new to the game. He's new to the NFL. He's learning just like everyone else has to learn as a rookie, and he obviously had to go through the mental stage of having to overcome an injury the first year. So just a tough transition for him. But I feel like him just learning these past couple games, and of course, learning [during] this stretch. I feel like he's going to bounce back in a different way than everybody else is going to think so."

McCarthy, the 10th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, missed his rookie season because of a meniscus tear in his right knee. Despite being a first-year starter, the Vikings probably didn't expect him to struggle this much. 

The former Michigan star ranks last among 34 eligible passers in completion percentage (54.1%) and passer rating (57.9). He has also tossed more interceptions (10) than touchdown passes (six). 

Injuries have been a problem for the QB. He missed five games because of an ankle issue and was placed in concussion protocol following the loss to the Packers. McCarthy practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday, giving him a chance to play in a Week 13 road game against the Seattle Seahawks. Rookie QB Max Brosmer is expected to start if McCarthy isn't cleared.  

So, why is Jefferson confident the oft-injured QB will rebound? 

"Talking to him and seeing the arm talent he has," the WR said. "Of course, seeing the poise that he has throughout the game. He's relentless. He's confident to go out there. He just has to carry it on throughout week to week and just show up on Sundays with that mentality he's been having the whole entire week."

McCarthy had better show what Jefferson has been seeing in practice soon. The Vikings may need to consider adding another QB as competition this offseason if he doesn't.