The Minnesota Vikings were hoping to see second-year quarterback JJ McCarthy take the NFL by storm this season as their starter. After deciding to pass on offseason options like Aaron Rodgers, the 2025 season has not gone according to plan.
Entering Week 15 action, the Vikings hold a 5-8 record. They're going to miss the playoffs barring a miracle.
McCarthy has shown flashes of the potential that made Minnesota give him the starting opportunity this season. He has dealt with some injury issues, but overall his performance has been underwhelming.
In the seven games he has played this season, McCarthy has completed 56 percent of his passes for 1,092 yards, nine touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He has also picked up 139 yards and scored two touchdowns on the ground.
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With that being said, Vikings legend Cris Carter spoke out and revealed some red flags about McCarthy's game.
“I’m not a quarterback guru or anything, but I do listen to everything that KOC says there in Minnesota," Carter said. "It’s inconsistency in the pocket, footwork being erratic – throwing off his front foot and his plant foot coming off the ground. Lack of variance in the throws between intermediate, hot and long range. He only has one speed, and that’s a fastball. That’s always going to be a problem."
While those words don't instill a lot of confidence into Minnesota fans, Carter did make it a point to note that McCarthy is in a great situation playing for a coach like Kevin O'Connell.
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“I think he’s in good hands. He’s working on his fundamentals, and they were significantly better (Sunday). His performance was significantly better. But can you do that under duress, playing against a top defense like Detroit, Green Bay, Chicago, Philadelphia? That’s when it will be proven out."
Only time will tell whether or not the Vikings actually have their quarterback of the future. The results have been mixed and it will be interesting to see if Minnesota pursues adding another quarterback to compete with McCarthy this offseason.
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