Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy made a strong comeback from injury in the 27-24 Week 9 win against the Detroit Lions. On top of that, he’s revealed an on-field alter ego that could pose a problem for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10.
McCarthy finished the game completing 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception, while also scoring a rushing touchdown to help secure the victory over Detroit. Furthermore, the second-year quarterback had an alter ego helping him against the Lions.
While speaking to reporters on November 6, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson shared his thoughts on the quarterback’s persona that emerges when he steps onto the field.
“The persona — I like it personally,” Jefferson said. “I feel like he understands that he has to turn on another switch when he gets in a game, mentally and physically. You have to talk yourself into it. Just like me with the Jets — it’s the same thing. I’m Justin right now, but when I step on the field, it’s a whole different mode. I feel the same way for him.
“He turns it on and becomes a different version when we’re out there on that field competing and going to war. That’s something I’m interested in seeing — how far he takes that. But I’m just excited for him to keep going out there with that confidence he has and continue to perform.”
What’s the Persona that Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Has?
So, where did the topic of McCarthy’s persona originate? On November 5, McCarthy spoke to reporters and issued a warning to teams, including the Baltimore Ravens, who they play in Week 10: When he takes the field, it’s an alter ego that takes over.
“There’s definitely a level of a switch that gets flipped,” McCarthy said. “For me, it’s that I call him nine. Nine comes out, and I have to understand that he can’t be at his peak performance throughout three and a half hours.
“So, how do I find little ways on the sideline, get back to my breath, get back to my visualization, that could maintain that intense competitive stamina throughout the whole game. It’s just the pure will and determination to get the job done.”
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Still Has Doubters
Despite his recent performance against the Lions and this ‘nine’ persona, one sports talk host remains unconvinced about the Vikings’ second-year quarterback. On the November 3 episode of “The Herd,” Colin Cowherd shared a blunt assessment of how he sees Minnesota’s young signal-caller heading into Week 10.
“He’s like the UPS driver,” Cowherd said about McCarthy. “I don’t know who he is, but they always deliver on time. The package has never screwed up. I love the delivery system. I don’t know if the UPS driver is any good. Seems like a nice guy.
“So it just felt a lot like the Michigan J.J. McCarthy, which is I love the coach at Michigan and the tight end and the defense. And that’s what I felt yesterday. It was fine. He was good on script, but it’s not a script league.”
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