The Vikings lost 19 to 17 to the Bears, and every conversation afterward pointed directly at quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Missed reads. Late throws. Opportunities left on the field. Minnesota had chances to win, but the passing game was inept for 59 minutes. Frustrations around the offense are growing louder, yet one of the most trusted quarterback coaches in football reviewed the film and offered a very different view. His analysis focused on two plays that highlight exactly where McCarthy is falling short and why his ceiling still remains intact.
Film Study Reveals the Correctable Parts of J.J. McCarthy’s Game
Quarterback coach Quincy Avery posted his breakdown on X and began by explaining how quarterbacks tend to err. Physical misses happen, but hesitation or slow recognition can stall an offense even when the design works. In Avery’s view, McCarthy’s issues in this matchup came from delayed decisions rather than a lack of arm talent.
Watching Vikings play and I am interested to see how JJ bounces back after a couple of missed read. I think KOC gets guys to play at a high level I think he’ll turn a corner. pic.twitter.com/u1knib0Quq
— Quincy Avery (@QuincyAvery) November 17, 2025
Avery highlighted a mirrored double move concept early in the review. The Bears shifted their coverage at the snap, giving Minnesota the precise structure it wanted. Receiver Jordan Addison created separation on a stick-nod route down the seam. The throwing lane was clean. McCarthy did not cut it loose.
“This ball should be let go right now,” Avery said. “One hitch and the ball is out. That is a touchdown. Instead there is extra movement and the play becomes harder than it needs to be.”
As a result, Addison dropped a pass that he should’ve caught. But Avery’s breakdown details that Addison was likely expecting the ball much sooner than McCarthy delivered it.
The second play Avery studied was a basic progression concept built for an easy gain. Justin Jefferson was isolated to the boundary and garnered bracket coverage. Tight end T.J. Hockenson flashed open underneath, but receiver Jalen Nailor trailed wide open behind him.
McCarthy stayed on the outside route to Addison instead of hitting the crosser, resulting in an interception.
“There are not many situations where you should be throwing this ball outside,” Avery said. “We should catch this and score. Instead it turns into the same late double hitch we saw on the touchdown he did make. He got away with it. I do not know if he keeps getting away with it.”
Avery then shifted his tone on McCarthy, who ranked 35th in QBi entering Sunday. Despite the mistakes, he remains convinced the quarterback has the tools to develop into a high-end starter.
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“I think J.J. McCarthy has all the skills and all the talent to be a really top tier quarterback,” Avery said. “We just need to see him process the information faster and move from one to two to three.”
Minnesota is searching for stability on offense, and Avery’s review offers a reminder that the issues come from timing, recognition, and rhythm. Those are fixable. The physical traits remain intact. The challenge is turning that into consistent production.
