Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy understands that he will need to count on his veteran pass-catching targets to help the team get out of this offensive slump. Moreover, the Vikings’ weapons know that they also need to help their second-year quarterback.
McCarthy completed 16 of 32 passes for 150 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions against the Chicago Bears in Week 11. However, he did lead a strong late drive, finding Jordan Addison for a go-ahead touchdown, but that effort wasn’t enough to turn around the team’s difficulties over the course of the game.
Additionally, the Bears had just enough time after that touchdown pass to kick the game-winning field goal.
Amid Minnesota’s two-game losing streak, McCarthy shared that the veterans, like Justin Jefferson, want to take that extra step to help him through the struggles.
“They’ve been awesome,” McCarthy said about his pass-catchers while talking to reporters on November 19. “I can’t thank them enough for the patience level and the leadership out of every person in that group, them pushing me every single day to be the best version of myself and doing it in ways that a lot of people don’t see. So, you know, I just love them with all my heart and [ I am] so grateful for every single one of those boys.”
Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy Makes Extra Effort With Star Player
McCarthy went into more detail regarding how he and Jefferson are making that extra effort beyond practice to improve their chemistry on the field. The Vikings are betting their future on these two, and they are willing to ensure that their connection stems beyond what happens on gameday and practice.
“I would say it’s just more time hanging out,” McCarthy added when asked about how he and Jefferson are looking to improve their connection. “Getting to know each other off the field is always something that is of extreme importance, but the communication obviously matters.
“We’ve been together for two years now, and I feel like we have a really great relationship to be honest with each other and not let emotions and egos get in the way. Let’s solve this problem. Let’s fix the solution instead of hurting ourselves trying to protect feelings.”
Vikings Players Want to Help J.J. McCarthy
McCarthy’s teammates know that the young signal-caller doesn’t need to face these struggles alone. Jefferson, who recorded five receptions for 61 receiving yards, was asked about McCarthy after the loss to the Bears in Week 11 and noted that he would put in his part to help the Vikings star.
“I mean, it wasn’t the best game for any of us,” Jefferson told reporters. “I felt like we should have played better overall. But at the end of the day, when it really counted, J.J. stepped up. That’s the main focus.
“Of course, there are things to work on and fix on the offensive side of the ball. We also need to help the defense out a lot more than we’re doing. Like I said, we have to look at the film, see what needs to be fixed, work on it, and come back ready to go.”
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