J.J. McCarthy is about to get his shot with the Minnesota Vikings after missing his entire rookie season with a torn meniscus. Selected 10th overall by the franchise in the 2024 NFL Draft, he was expected to compete with Sam Darnold for the starting job.
However, McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus in training camp and was placed on injured reserve, missing his entire rookie season following surgery.
NFL Analyst Shares Honest Thoughts on Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy
Meanwhile, Darnold had a breakout season as he set career highs across the board, led the Vikings to a 14-3 record and postseason appearance, and earned his first Pro Bowl nod. Despite his career resurgence, Minnesota opted to allow him to enter free agency, where he joined the Seattle Seahawks on a three-year, $100.5 million contract that includes $55 million in guarantees.
The decision came down to their faith in McCarthy and willingness to turn the franchise over to him.
However, one NFL analyst shared a brutally honest opinion on the young quarterback, claiming that he was the beneficiary of a strong college team built around him.
McCarthy had a largely successful college career as he was 27-1 as a starting quarterback and led the Michigan Wolverines to a national title in 2023.
Colin Cowherd recently suggested that the championship had more to do with what was around him than his ability. Speaking on “The Colin Cowherd Podcast”, the sports media personality stated:
“J.J. McCarthy, you’re going to see it very quickly, is not what people think… J.J. McCarthy is a C quarterback. You ever seen J.J. McCarthy’s fourth quarter college stats and playing from behind fourth quarter stats in college with Michigan and [Jim] Harbaugh and that O-line? They’re terrible.”
Cowherd predicted that the NFC North is wide open due to McCarthy taking over for the Vikings, the Detroit Lions losing both coordinators, and his questions about Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
While Minnesota’s starting quarterback has not proven himself on the NFL level and was not asked to throw the ball much in college, he was magnificent in his time with the Wolverines.
McCarthy threw for 6,226 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He completed 67.6% of his pass attempts, while adding 632 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 161 carries.
MORE: Ex-NFL QB Weighs In on Whether J.J. McCarthy Can Replicate Sam Darnold’s 2024 Vikings Success
While Cowherd suggested that he was the product of all-around well-built teams at Michigan, the Vikings have plenty of talent on the offensive side of the ball.
They project to have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, while skill position players such as Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, and T.J. Hockenson will help make McCarthy’s life easier.
