Heading into his second NFL season, J.J. McCarthy is making up for lost time and earning recognition during the first week of Minnesota Vikings training camp.
McCarthy is working as the Vikings’ starter this offseason after spending his rookie training camp behind Sam Darnold before the 2024 No. 10 overall pick suffered a torn meniscus that required surgery and ended his campaign before it began.
Back healthy, McCarthy has routinely turned heads during the early stages of training camp.
“Let it fly @jjmccarthy09 [salute emoji],” the NFL’s handle on X posted on July 26, sharing the QB’s 60-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Addison in practice.
“Fans were in attendance at Vikings training camp for the first time today, and J.J. McCarthy gave them plenty to cheer about,” Sports Illustrated’s Will Ragatz posted on X on July 26. “He had his best day of camp so far.”
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis said McCarthy was “sharp” in the Vikings’ final session of the week.
J.J. McCarthy Opportunistic in Vikings Training Camp
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings throws the ball during mandatory minicamp.
SKOR North’s Judd Zulgad highlighted two throws from McCarthy during Saturday’s practice, calling them “beautiful” by the Vikings’ QB.
“One was a free play. So, it would have been a penalty on the defense, and McCarthy took the opportunity to take a shot downfield. A deep pass, about 55 yards, a thing of beauty for Jalen Nailor, broken up nicely by Byron Murphy Jr. Ball probably should have been caught, but it was a very, very nice, deep pass, a very encouraging thing,” Zulgad said in a video on July 26.
“Later on in the practice in another team period, McCarthy – and this was Period 9 – McCarthy actually came through with a deep ball that connected about 40 yards through the air with Jordan Addison for what would have been a touchdown. Addison, maybe, had to slow down a little bit. Now, this came against the third string. So, it definitely was not the first team defense. This came against the third string, but it was still a really impressive pass.”
“Seeing McCarthy make that type of pass is a very encouraging thing,” Zulgad said. “There were a few McCarthy passes, short ones, that were a little bit off today. The accuracy could have been better on those passes.
“Overall, again, another very good day of work for the Vikings’ young quarterback.”
McCarthy has a strong supporting cast with the Vikings, led by Addison and Justin Jefferson at wideout, running back Aaron Jones, tight end T.J. Hockenson, and a retooled offensive line.
Jordan Addison Taking Advantage of Justin Jefferson’s Absence
GettyJordan Addison #3 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with teammate Justin Jefferson #18 after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Purple Persuasion said Addison has been McCarthy’s “favorite WR” in the early going of Vikings training camp. It is a designation that comes amid Jefferson’s absence due to a hamstring injury, but the handle also noted Addison and McCarthy are forming a “lethal duo.”
That is good for Addison, who could be the one missing in action if the NFL suspends him as a result of his plea deal to “wet reckless” charges after his arrest on suspicion of DUI in July 2024.
Addison said he is awaiting a decision, which is expected to include a multi-game suspension.
In the meantime, Addison is getting invaluable reps with McCarthy in the Vikings’ offense, so they can hit the ground running during the season. It will also be built equity if and when Addison is forced out of action.
By then, McCarthy and the Vikings will hopefully have gotten Jefferson back and still have other options like Nailor and rookie Tai Felton they can lean on until Addison returns.
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