Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell weighs in after J.J. McCarthy's rough preseason showing

The NFL can be unforgiving, especially for quarterbacks trying to get their footing. Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is learning the hard way that the NFL is no cakewalk.

McCarthy struggled against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday in the team's preseason loss, 13-3. He had issues with accuracy and only completed five of 10 passes for 81 yards. He also failed to lead a scoring drive. In general, he missed throws to some targets who were wide open and took physical hits, which is never a good combination.

After the game, both McCarthy and head coach Kevin O'Connell spoke up about the quarterback's performance and time on the field.

McCarthy gets banged up in preseason loss

McCarthy took a hit during the game, and afterward, he was asked about it. He didn't appear to be concerned about being seriously injured, so that's a positive.

"Coach O'Connell is going to make the right decision for me and the team," McCarthy said. "Yeah. I'm just following orders."

Then, O'Connell said that he wanted McCarthy to play more in that game. He wasn't going to pull him for struggling. He pulled him due to injury.

"We want to keep giving those guys opportunities," O'Connell said after the game when asked about the quarterback depth chart. "Would've loved to get J.J. a little more work. But he got a little banged up there, and we just decided to give Carson his time."

O'Connell was noncommittal on McCarthy. He didn't indicate whether he's the QB No. 2, and after Saturday's game, that honor could go to him or Carson Beck. The best news, though, is that McCarthy doesn't appear to be seriously injured.