J.J. McCarthy Shines: Key Vikings Players Rising and Falling After Preseason Victory

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings kicked off a preseason game with some excitement. On the first drive, second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy took the reins, faking a handoff and delivering a pass to receiver Jordan Addison. The play wasn’t flawless, but Addison’s skill made it work.

This season, the Vikings will focus on their running game and screen plays, but play-action passes will be key. McCarthy expressed that this moment was a significant step in his development. “It was a huge growing rep,” he said, highlighting how important timing and protection are.

Coach Kevin O’Connell shared his satisfaction with McCarthy’s performance. There were no pre-snap penalties, and McCarthy successfully made adjustments at the line. “There was a level of composure and poise…exactly what I was looking for,” O’Connell noted.

For McCarthy, this game was somewhat emotional. A year ago, he suffered a serious injury during a similar game, which left him sidelined for a long time. Reflecting on his return, he admitted, “Had a little tear drop, not going to lie,” recognizing the joy of being back on the field with his teammates.

Despite not being perfect, McCarthy finished with a solid 4-for-7 passing for 30 yards. He acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly accuracy. The NFL is tough, and facing a less intense Texans defense allowed McCarthy to adjust and refine his skills.

O’Connell believes that as long as McCarthy avoids major mistakes, the Vikings can achieve a lot this season. This comes after a hard-fought win, with a final score of 20-10, that boosted team morale.

Rising Stars

Zavier Scott stood out during the game. An undrafted player from 2023, Scott showed impressive vision and grit, finishing with 40 yards and a touchdown on seven carries. O’Connell’s trust in him was evident as Scott was given multiple chances in key moments.

Sam Howell, another quarterback, faced challenges early in camp but showed promise by completing 11 of 13 passes for 105 yards. His performance is a reminder that even when beginnings are rough, there’s always room for improvement.

Also noteworthy is Max Brosmer, who, despite some early nerves, delivered a competent performance with three completed passes for 26 yards and a touchdown.

Meanwhile, Will Reichard, the rookie kicker, is on track to bounce back from a challenging start to his career. He nailed six field goals, showing he’s regaining his form.

Areas of Concern

On the flip side, receiver depth remains a worry for the Vikings. While star Justin Jefferson is expected to be ready for Week 1, the injury to Rondale Moore during the game highlighted the lack of experience behind the main players. Rookies like Tai Felton will have to step up.

Mekhi Blackmon, a promising cornerback, played well but is currently in a secondary role on the team. His future participation may depend on the performance of starters and health issues as the season progresses.

Finally, concerns about the edge rushers behind starters like Gabriel Murphy are also evident. Their recent strong performances are a good sign, but depth is always critical for teams aiming for success.

In summary, the Vikings are seeing both rising talent and concerns as the season approaches. With crucial players stepping up and some areas needing attention, fans are eager to see how the team develops.

Learn more about the current state of the Minnesota Vikings here.

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