• What becomes of J.J. McCarthy in his first year as an NFL starting quarterback? He’d made enough progress last year where the coaches were going to give him more first-team reps coming out of the preseason opener against the Raiders. And then discomfort in his right knee led to an MRI, which led to the discovery of a season-ending meniscus tear requiring two surgeries. McCarthy lost weight, and he was away from the team. It was a long rookie year, to the point where the Vikings offered deals to Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones to return. It may be a blessing in disguise that neither accepted. As a result, McCarthy has taken all of the first-team reps since the start of spring and has found his voice as a leader on the team. His weight has increased to 220 and the Vikings are seeing a player who is improving day by day, making gains drill by drill. He’s shown himself to be a fast processor. He’s been consistent in making anticipatory throws, and the coaches have worked hard on trying to make him more proficient at layering the ball into tight windows, and taking miles per hour off his fastball at times. So, he’s got a full head of steam going into camp, with the plan being to let him take steps naturally while relying on a strong offensive roster and scheme. The Vikings will utilize the run game, play-action off of it, quick throws and the screen game to ensure McCarthy can go out there and play. They hope the volume Brian Flores’s defense throws at him will help accelerate his development. No one’s going to ask him to be Superman. The Vikings, as good as they’ve been over Kevin O’Connell’s first three years, have the luxury of not having to do that.
