In their 24-23 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Minnesota Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell was asked if rookie J.J. McCarthy’s performance might accelerate his timeline to becoming the starting quarterback.
McCarthy stepped in for starter Sam Darnold during the Vikings’ second offensive series, accumulating 118 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception with a 64.7% completion rate. Despite this performance, O’Connell remains committed to his development plan for McCarthy.
“I’m looking for him to keep improving and to feel more at ease in our system,” O’Connell said to reporters on August 10. “As I mentioned from the start, there are no set limits or expectations. We want to be cautious and ensure his training camp progresses as planned, including his reps with both the first and second-team units and the crucial preseason snaps.”
McCarthy’s initial drive ended with an interception after he threw under pressure while rolling out.
O’Connell noted that the upcoming joint practices with the Cleveland Browns will be crucial for McCarthy and the entire team. “We’re excited to face a tough, physical team under Kevin [Stefanski]. We anticipate productive days of practice,” O’Connell said. “Although this game was valuable, it’s just another step in our ongoing process.”
O’Connell had previously joked about being labeled a “quarterback killer” at the team’s facilities and mentioned he has dismissed other players’ potential.
He emphasizes a careful, principled approach to developing young quarterbacks. “I firmly believe in the principles of playing quarterback. With proper coaching, any quarterback’s footwork can be improved,” O’Connell stated at a “Faith & Life” conference on April 18. “We look at various aspects of their performance and seek to address both strengths and areas for improvement.”
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