McCarthy shows early signs in Vikings preseason

An editorial take on J J McCarthy s preseason outing with the Minnesota Vikings and what it signals about his path this season.

McCarthy Under Scrutiny After Vikings Preseason Debut

J J McCarthy led Minnesota s offense on a single opening series against the Houston Texans in the first preseason game. He went 4 of 7 for 30 yards, with his longest completion an 18-yard gain to Jordan Addison. The throw was not perfect, Addison made a diving catch for a first down, but the drive stalled and the Vikings settled for a field goal after a pass to Lucky Jackson fell incomplete on third down. The outing was brief and not decisive, leaving questions about how he will adapt to the faster pace of NFL game speed.

McCarthy is Minnesota s 2024 first round pick who missed all of last season with a knee injury. He is expected to start this season, and Minnesota did not sign Sam Darnold after he became a free agent. Coach Kevin O Connor said McCarthy will not play in the second preseason game and the team will rely on joint practices against the Patriots to evaluate starters. The drive did not answer the big questions about his readiness, and the Vikings will watch how he handles the pace of practice and the pace of a real game in September.

Beyond the isolated play, the real issue is how quickly the Vikings want to push a rookie into a spotlight that comes with loud expectations. McCarthy faces a steep learning curve in a league that moves faster than college and demands decisive reads under pressure. Preseason football is a rough gauge, but it can shape the tone for the next weeks of practice and for public perception. The plan to ease him in, paired with joint practices, shows a methodical path rather than a fireworks plan.

The bigger question is whether a franchise that finished 14-3 can preserve the long term plan when the clock starts to run. A patient approach might calm the fan base, but a stumble could trigger swift criticism from fans and analysts. If McCarthy grows through the weeks, the belief in this draft choice grows. If he struggles, the team faces a test of patience and a risk that the wrong note could linger into the regular season.

Highlights

Patience may still pay off for a rookie in a league that values growth.