The Minnesota Vikings moved on from quarterback Sam Darnold in the offseason, believing 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy was ready to take over as their starting quarterback.
However, McCarthy’s debut on Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears raised serious questions about that decision. Despite facing a Bears defense missing cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, the young quarterback struggled to generate any meaningful offense.
How Is J.J. McCarthy Performing in His First NFL Start?
The early results were concerning. Through his first three drives, McCarthy completed just 3 of 4 passes for a mere 12 yards while adding 11 rushing yards on one carry. Dov Kleiman posted, “Uh Oh: JJ McCarthy through 3 drives… • 3-for-4 • 12 passing yards • 1-11-0 rushing line The Bears are missing their two Top CBs.”
Uh Oh: JJ McCarthy through 3 drives…
• 3-for-4
• 12 passing yards
• 1-11-0 rushing line
The Bears are missing their two Top CBs 😬 pic.twitter.com/WctMTQInFj
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 9, 2025
The performance drew immediate criticism from Vikings fans watching the game unfold. One frustrated fan chimed in, posting, “i’ve seen enough jj mccarthy stinks.”
i’ve seen enough jj mccarthy stinks
— 𝑅𝑒𝑒𝒻 💔 (@vReef100) September 9, 2025
What Are Fans Saying About McCarthy’s Draft Position?
The struggles prompted fans to question Minnesota’s decision to select McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in 2024. One fan questioned drafting McCarthy in the first place, posting, “Can’t believe anybody would ever waste a 1st round pick on JJ McCarthy.”
Can’t believe anybody would ever waste a 1st round pick on JJ McCarthy
— rob (@kawaiithugrob) September 9, 2025
Another fan echoed the sentiment that McCarthy wasn’t worthy of such a high selection, posting, “JJ McCarthy is awful how does this guy go #10.”
JJ McCarthy is awful how does this guy go #10
— Ramon (@ItsJustRise) September 9, 2025
Beyond the draft criticism, fans pointed to specific issues with McCarthy’s play. One observer noted McCarthy’s struggles finding open targets, particularly All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson. The fan pointed out that McCarthy can’t find open receivers, saying, “Justin Jefferson had to wait 10 minutes for a check down in the middle of the field. JJ McCarthy gonna find himself out of a job soon.”
Justin Jefferson had to wait 10 minutes for a check down in the middle of the field. JJ McCarthy gonna find himself out of a job soon.
— NFL NPC (@nfl_npc) September 9, 2025
The quarterback’s ability to read NFL defenses also came under fire. One fan criticized McCarthy’s decision-making by posting, “Dude McCarthy cant read a complex defense to save his life.”
Dude McCarthy cant read a complex defense to save his life
— Collin Beier, THE Biggest Bird 🕊🦃🦚 (@CBeier3) September 9, 2025
McCarthy’s downfield passing ability also drew criticism. Another fan questioned his arm strength and accuracy on longer throws, posting, “Are we sure JJ McCarthy can complete a pass 10 yards downfield?”
Are we sure JJ McCarthy can complete a pass 10 yards downfield?
— Bite o’ the James? (@pumpfakepoppa) September 9, 2025
The situation worsened when McCarthy threw a pick-six early in the third quarter, further cementing the negative first impression from his NFL debut. The early returns on Minnesota’s investment in their young quarterback have been far from encouraging.
