When the Minnesota Vikings selected J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they did so with the intention of him developing into the team's franchise quarterback.
Through the first half of Monday night's tilt with the Chicago Bears, the former Michigan standout looked uncomfortable, to say the least.
Then, McCarthy got comfortable and settled into the game, leading Minnesota to a 27-24 comeback victory, earning his first win in his first NFL start. Now, analysts are calling for him to be in the running for an award after just one game of pro football action.
J.J. McCarthy Predicted to Win Comeback Player of the Year
After McCarthy's miraculous second-half comeback at Soldier Field, where he tossed two touchdowns and ran in another, the former Wolverine's odds to win the award increased exponentially across all sportsbooks.
Yasmin Edañol of ClutchPoints.com further elaborated on why McCarthy's chances of winning the esteemed accolade continue to rise.
"Head coach Kevin O’Connell has tailored the offense to McCarthy’s strengths. With Justin Jefferson stretching the field and T.J. Hockenson controlling the middle, the rookie quarterback doesn’t need to carry the entire load." Wrote Edañol.
"In addition, the Vikings have built a strong running game, giving JJ McCarthy a balanced attack that keeps defenses guessing. Ultimately, his composure under pressure already sets him apart from other first-year starters."
McCarthy has some steep competition to contend with for Comeback Player of the Year, as the Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott, San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey, and Detroit Lions' Aidan Hutchinson are all poised for big years coming off major injuries.
But if the former collegiate national champion can string together more gutsy performances like we saw Monday night, he will certainly be in the conversation.