After a five-game absence due to a high-ankle sprain, second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy was able to get back under center for the Minnesota Vikings to take on the division rival Detroit Lions in Week 9.
With the Lions being one of the best teams in the league once again this season, McCarthy was expected to struggle in his first game back from injury. It was a tough test right out of the gate for the Michigan product, but he was ready for the challenge, as he helped lead the Vikings to their fourth win of the season with an impressive three-touchdown performance.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Makes NFL History
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings.
McCarthy did rack up a ton of passing yards, as he completed 14 of his 25 passes for only 143 yards through the air. Still, his impact on the game was undeniable, as he threw for two touchdown passes, one to superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson and the other to tight end T.J. Hockenson. He also rushed for a score, which might be something that becomes quite common for the 22-year-old, as it was his second of the season over the course of the three games he’s played.
McCarthy’s performance against the Lions put him in the history books in the NFL, as he became the first player in NFL history with at least two touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown in two of a player’s first three career games, according to the Vikings.
Along with making NFL history in the win against the Lions, McCarthy can now be mentioned in the same breath as Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino and Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes, according to NFL.com.
J.J. McCarthy joined Hall of Famer Dan Marino and Patrick Mahomes as the only quarterbacks drafted in the first round to win two road divisional games over their first three career starts since at least 1970.
Needless to say, McCarthy made quite the impression in his return to the field and has certainly got Vikings fans excited about the direction of the franchise with the young quarterback back under center.
Vikings Back to Form with a Rejuvenated J.J. McCarthy?
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings.
As a result of the win over the Lions, the Vikings have improved their record back to .500 at 4-4, with a tough matchup ahead in Week 10 against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota.
The Vikings will hope to ride the momentum of their best win of the season while seeing if McCarthy can maintain this level of play. The margin of error remains small for Minnesota, especially with veteran quarterback Carson Wentz officially out for the season after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder.
McCarthy and company will have some tough matchups ahead as they try to make up some ground in the NFC North division and ultimately secure a spot in the NFL playoffs. They’ll face the Ravens, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks in November, which will all pose different challenges for this Vikings squad with McCarthy at the helm.
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