The Minnesota Vikings are beginning the J.J. McCarthy era in Week 1 when they face NFC North rival, the Chicago Bears. After going 14-3 last season with Sam Darnold, the Vikings made the bold move to hand the reins to McCarthy.
With a roster built to win now, Minnesota’s decision to let Darnold leave in free agency will be closely watched. The former Michigan quarterback will face his first real test against the Bears to see if he’s ready to lead the team as QB1.
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Nonetheless, former Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper is backing the second-year signal caller, citing the reasons that McCarthy will be successful in Minnesota.
"He has that it factor," Culpepper told WCCO. "I always say he has it, and I can see it in his eyes. He's ready to go out and tear it up, and I think that he's going to surprise a lot of people."
While there's a positive outlook from the likes of Culpepper, there's also a worrying view on McCarthy. FS1 host Colin Cowherd gave a worrying update on how the Michigan product is handling being the Vikings' starting quarterback heading into Week 1.
"Minnesota's a mystery team," Cowherd said on the "Colin Cowherd Podcast." "I don't know what J.J. McCarthy is. I really do not know. I've heard enough from people I trust. I got a text from somebody I really trust a few weeks ago. He said 'It's a work in progress.'"
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The Vikings quarterback seems to have the support of the team’s veterans. If McCarthy delivers a strong performance against the Chicago Bears, critics like Colin Cowherd are likely to quiet down.
However, a shaky showing could amplify the scrutiny around McCarthy and raise questions about Minnesota’s decision.