The Minnesota Vikings enter the bye week with a winning record on the efforts of veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, who has made the decision to hand back the starting job to J.J. McCarthy more complicated.
Taking over a 1-1 team, Wentz gave the Vikings offense life after it struggled through the first two games of the McCarthy era, ranking 31st in total yards and 32nd in expected points added. With Wentz under center, the Vikings offense has averaged 357.7 yards per game compared to 226 yards per game with McCarthy.
The Vikings‘ commitment to developing McCarthy into their franchise quarterback remains central to the team’s long-term future, but Wentz is a driver of the team going 2-1 and since McCarthy suffered a high ankle sprain.
This week marks a pivotal crossroads for the Vikings‘ future at the position by weighing the decision at quarterback. However, Jordan Addison seems to have hinted that the decision seems to be a forgone conclusion.
Asked after the Vikings‘ Week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns how he would spend the bye week, Addison tipped his hat to McCarthy.
“Imma be around the building catching with JJ McCarthy, just getting ready with him.”
Vikings Remain Committed to JJ McCarthy Despite Carson Wentz Wins
Wentz has made a compelling case to remain the team’s starter. He has completed 69% of his passes for 759 yards passing, five touchdowns and two interceptions — all behind a patchwork offensive line.
It would not be surprising if the offense takes a step back with McCarthy when he returns. However, the Vikings have remained committed to developing the young quarterback, evidenced by Addison’s statement in the locker room after he caught a game-winning touchdown from Wentz just moments earlier.
There is surely some trepidation about the Vikings‘ Super Bowl ambitions this season by pivoting back to the younger quarterback.
However, the voice that matters more than any other player in the locker room is Justin Jefferson‘s. He put the Vikings’ quarterback drama to rest last week.
âHeâs definitely in the mix. Heâs in the back of the offense (during practice), making sure heâs getting all of those mental reps,â Jefferson said of McCarthy. âHeâs still communicating with the quarterbacks and communicating with C-Wentz about what he sees out there. At the end of the day, heâs still our guy and heâs still the quarterback that we lean on. So he definitely has to be in there mentally, physically. He definitely canât sit back and just watch and go through the motions.
âHeâs still our guy. Heâs still the quarterback that we lean on.â
Vikings Must Get Healthy Along With JJ McCarthy
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has maintained that he will not play McCarthy until he is fully recovered from his ankle sprain.
A point of emphasis for McCarthy has been his footwork, which he needs to be confident in to not only deliver the ball to his receivers but also keep himself safe.
The Vikings were missing several key starters on the offensive front, namely franchise left tackle Christian Darrisaw, in McCarthy’s two starts. The young quarterback was sacked on 40% of his pressures, the highest sack rate in the league.
For McCarthy to return with confidence, he will also need a capable offensive line in front of him.
Pro Bowl tackle Brian O’Neill is week-to-week with a hamstring injury, while guard Donovan Jackson should be back from wrist surgery in Week 7. Ryan Kelly is on injured reserve due to a concussion, leaving Michael Jurgens or Blake Brandel to start in the meantime.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Jordan Addison Comment Reveals Vikings’ JJ McCarthy Decision appeared first on Heavy Sports.