J.J. McCarthy Has Vikings Believing Winning Will Come Soon.
The Minnesota Vikings missed the postseason last year, partly due to injuries to some key players. But heading into the 2024 season, Minnesota has a new man leading the way. The Vikings allowed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to walk in free agency, and they drafted rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy at pick No. 10 in the 2024 NFL Draft to replace him. Minnesota was very high on McCarthy throughout the entire process and jumped at the chance to take him when it was their turn.
More news: Joe Burrow Reveals Biggest Key To Bengals Success In 2024McCarthy starred at the University of Michigan, leading the Wolverines to winning the College Football Playoff last season. McCarthy found ways to impact the game throughout the season in a lesser-passing system with Michigan. He threw for 2,991 yards with 22 touchdowns and four interceptions over 15 games. And so far in camp, McCarthy has been showing out and reminding people why he was taken in the first round.
J.J McCarthy
EAGAN, MINNESOTA – JUNE 04: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings throws the ball during Minnesota Vikings mandatory minicamp at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on June 04, 2024 in Eagan, Minnesota. McCarthy has… More PHOTO BY ADAM BETTCHER/GETTY IMAGES
Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman has gotten to know McCarthy more this offseason and praised the young signal-caller for how he has handled himself so far. McCarthy seems to be giving Minnesota some hope that winning will soon come down the line.
“[He’s] 21 years old, but a great young man,” Cashman said on *The Jim Rome Show*. “He’s a leader. He’s eager to learn. A lot of young guys, sometimes they can come in, be a little timid or shy, but he’s walking around the locker room, big smile on his face, shaking hands, getting to know everybody.”McCarthy is eager to show people what he can do, and the Vikings were a strong landing spot. Pairing him with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson should help ease any transition to
the NFL, but McCarthy has the tools to be successful. He has shown strong arm talent and places the ball into solid windows for his receivers to catch.”I didn’t know much about his game before,” Cashman said. “I knew he was an outstanding quarterback. Winning followed him at Michigan. But I didn’t realize how much heat he can put on the ball. He’s got a great long ball. And even those tight windows, where it closes fast at the next level, he can zip the ball past a linebacker or safety’s head and squeeze it in those tight windows. That’s very promising to see.”
