Kyler Murray to the Vikes

 

After the Vikings' season ended, my Football Guru Matthew Coller of Purple Insider looked into solutions for the team's QB problem, and his number one solution was Kyler Murray. Coller banged that drum, making the case for Kyler, and I was converted to Team Kyler after originally being against it. If the O-Line can be healthy, Kyler could shine with the weapons on Offense.  

My advice for JJ McCarthy is to grow up and learn. You may get another bite at the apple, and if it looks like it did in 2025, this Vikings fan will be done with you.

KOC, work your magic!

JJ McCarthy Crashed Himself

 

My final grade for JJ McCarthy this season is an F. 

After getting injured in Green Bay, I was of the strong opinion that I had seen enough. He was not, at this time, ready to be an NFL QB and should have been benched for the rest of the year, as nothing good would come of him starting more games. I predicted at the time that it was likely he would go into a regression spiral and be re-injured. After two weak performances versus subpar teams, He surprised me with his play versus the Cowboys, but that game was an outlier.  The Cowboys' D made most QBs seem like all-pros this year. He played like a maniac and got injured in the next game versus the Giants as I predicted he would. 

The number one ability that a player must possess to get better is availability. If JJ McCarthy plays like a maniac, it is pretty much a guarantee that he will get injured. The kid demonstrated multiple times that he does not understand this reality. The kid is an immature idiot like Johnny Manziel, somewhat physically gifted, but this is the NFL; as in Not For Long. Maybe the kid will grow out of the immaturity of making dumb decisions. I have near-zero belief that JJ will grow out of the poor risk assessment and decision-making this offseason. It is my view that he needs to sit, with limited in-game reps, for at least another full season. The physical risk assessment skills are that bad. He thinks he can do things he absolutely shouldn't try when safer, wiser options are readily available.

So what do the Vikings do for QB next year? There are a bunch of avenues available. Believing that JJ McCarthy will  be a competent starter next year is a dead end, in my opinion. The Vikings' brain trust needs to come up with a new plan for QB and Center for next year.

Mad Max Time in Seattle

 

I had zero expectation coming into this season because when real bullets start flying, nobody knows how a young QB will react. JJ McCarthy's introduction to the NFL has been nothing but bad. Bad luck, bad health, bad throws, bad numbers, bad news.

Now we have an undrafted Golden Gopher being thrown to the wolves in Seattle, where the defense is stout, and the 12's can taste a Super Bowl. If our #12 goes into Lumen and is somewhat competent at running the offense, doesn't throw more than one pick, completes 60% plus of his passes, and leaves the game with a passer rating above 60, then I think he should be the QB for the rest of the year. JJ McCarthy is not competent right now. His numbers tell the story. His throws have left our receivers in vulnerable positions too many times.

So, Mad Max, the team is yours if you can keep it.

Back to Inferno Mode

 Young MN Vikings QB self-immolates in the second half. In his first game at Lambert Field, Oh My.

The first half was some progress; the second half was pure regression.

The kid looks like Christian Ponder, but less mobile. He can't buy a break, his left-side protection both got injured in the second half. He and Ryan Kelly had some issues. Power for the course in this cursed season.

Vikes Lose Again, Time to Exhale and Breathe Again

 JJ McCarthy is an accomplished winner who doesn't have a lot of history as a passing quarterback. He was projected to be a work in progress on that front when drafted, and that has turned out to be the case.  The kid is young and raw. Being Kevin O'Connell's quarterback is not an easy job description. At this point, I don't think anybody knows if McCarthy is up to the task or not. It is just too much to expect a second -year player starting for his first time in the NFL to have anywhere near a mastery of KOC's PHD-level offense. It looks like the kid is drowning most of the time, with a few glimmers of good play. KOC asked for too much too soon in my opinion. KOC's reliance upon passing is borderline pathological, but that has served KOC very well. With the loss to the Bears this week, it is time for the team and JJ McCarthy to breathe. They have almost no shot at making the playoffs. That isn't even worth giving an ounce of effort in pursuit of at this point. Without the pressure of making the playoffs, the team is now free to build McCarthy's confidence level for next year. If they win games great, but that shouldn't be the focus. Getting McCarthy to play as well as possible and limiting mistakes should be the new focus. KOC will have his hands full harnessing the kid.  Let Flores cook on the Defence and have fun as a team. It's a game; get better at it.  

I'm Stunned, Vikes Win In Detroit

It's amazing what happens when your starters are not on the sidelines injured. Did I think the Vikes had any shot of winning versus the Lions in Detroit? Heck, no!

Pleasantly surprised that there is a glimmer of hope for making the playoffs.  If key Vikes can stay healthy that is a realistic possibility at 4-4.  I thought we were going to be 3-5 and the Vikes would be out of the playoff hunt today. The Lions are one of the best teams in the league and playing them in Ford field is no joke.

Tough game again next week vs. the Ravens who are in desperation must win mode, but on a winning streak to save their season. It is a big game. Will JJ Mac get his first win in MN?

Kids Got Grit! Vikings 1-0!

 Vikings win the opener in Soldier Field 27-24. It wasn't looking good for the purple through three quarters. Da Bears had Da Vikes on the ropes. But the D got stops. McCarthy found his footing and the rest his history. JJ McCarthy wins his first game, capped off by an RPO tuddy run by JJ.

The kid has the heart of a champion.

The Vikes really miss Darrisaw. Hopefully, he is back next week. 

The McCarthy Era Begins On Monday Night

 

Vikes all-new interior on the O-Line, all-new signal caller, new young stud running back, Addison out for 3 weeks due to suspension, Theilen back, a healthy Hock at TE, will Jets and Darrisaw be 100%?

The Defence has an all-new interior as well. How will Caleb and Ben Johnson fare against the Vikings D?

I don't know what to expect. Week 1 in the NFL is usually full of surprises.

Have to wait for answers to my questions, so wait I will, impatiently. 

BP Is Drinking The Purple Kool-Aid On JJ McCathy

 

What's the worst that can happen? I'm wrong, big deal. Go big or go home. Get a few Lombardi's for us just like that other Michigan Alum! Starting next year. I want Sam Darnold to drive the Ferrari like he stole it this year and keep JJ on the bench for a year.