Will J.J. McCarthy Immediately Start In Minnesota?
The Vikings picked up veteran quarterback Sam Darnold at the beginning of free agency. Then During the 2024 NFL Draft, Minnesota moved up to the 10th overall pick to take J.J. McCarthy off the board. J.J. was a leader at the University of Michigan, but there were a lot of questions as to whether he is a game manager, or if he has the clutch gene. The question presents itself on who will be Minnesota’s starter for the 2024 NFL Season.
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McCarthy is a great fit under Head Coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense and he has the potential to work well with receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Sam Darnold being a previous starter in the NFL, might be the safer option for Minnesota during the beginning of the season to let J.J. learn some things from a veteran quarterback. McCarthy is believed to start at some point during the 2024 NFL Season, but to start his first game is still in the air.
The Vikings aggressively picked up Sam Darnold shortly after Kirk Cousins signed a deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Darnold was selected third overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Jets and has dealt with poor offensive lines and has not been put in positions for success. In Minnesota, he will be surrounded by offensive talent and a decent offensive line. This could grant different results than Darnold has had in previous years.
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The Vikings were still considered a team in the draft to go after a quarterback and as expected, they did. J.J. McCarthy was a winner at the University of Michigan. Being coached by Jim Harbaugh has also given him a lot of insider information surrounding the NFL and has given him a step up in preparation as he heads into the league. Although McCarthy was a winner, was he asked to do all that much? J.J. had a ton of talent around him and Michigan’s roster was one of the most talented in college football history as they completed a perfect season. While J.J. did lead his team in many ways, he also wasn't put in positions to put the team on his back. Against Penn State during the 2023 Season, McCarthy threw the ball eight times in the first half and zero in the second. J.J. never got to show his full capabilities due to the talent of their roster. There is no question about McCarthy’s accuracy, but will he be able to compete in close games throughout the 2024 Season?
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As a newly drafted quarterback heading to Minnesota, J.J. has a lot to learn in his first season. Sam Darnold has the experience and has an opportunity to perform better than he has in previous years with the talent he is surrounded with. Sam Darnold would be the safer option at the beginning of the 2024 Season, but J.J. might get his opportunity to shine closer to Thanksgiving. The Vikings have time to think this one over, but their options between Darnold and McCarthy depend on if they want to go the old and reliable route, or test the waters with McCarthy and see what he is capable of.
