J.J. McCarthy’s success in passing game carried the Vikings over the Bears, and it projects very well moving forward
There was a lot to like from J.J. McCarthy’s debut performance.
It’s way too early after just one start, but the Minnesota Vikings feel great about J.J. McCarthy being a franchise quarterback.
His debut wasn’t just successful; it ended up being historic for multiple reasons. But his fourth quarter was tremendous. There will be a lot of discussion about how the first three quarters went, which is certainly valid, but what we saw in the fourth quarter was huge in getting a 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears and launching a lot of excitement among the fanbase.
How did McCarthy provide that excitement with his arm? Let’s break down a few throws with the all-22 film, including some impressive play designs from head coach Kevin O’Connell.
J.J. McCarthy shows glimpses of elite QB play
The confidence and savvy that McCarthy plays with are what stood out about him. After a rough first half, he could have turtled and retracted back into his shell. However, that didn’t happen. He took the opportunity to attack the Bears’ defense right before halftime, and we saw his first big boy throw.
The most impressive thing about this play is the pocket that was created for McCarthy. He had plenty of space to step up and deliver a seed to Jalen Nailor on the deep crossing route. He displayed all the confidence you would expect a veteran quarterback to have and then some. The Vikings ended up kicking a 59-yard field goal, which was the difference in the game.
Justin Jefferson on an out route
This is a big-time throw for multiple reasons. Not only did it set up the first touchdown, which was also caught by Jefferson, but the process of the throw was huge.
The Vikings needed to get something going in the fourth quarter, down by 11 points, and the deep out is the most NFL throw you can make, especially from the far hash. There is a myth about McCarthy’s arm strength being at or below average. It’s just not true. He’s got a rifle attached to his shoulder, and it was on display here.
Jefferson goes in fast motion and runs a deep out route with Jalen Nailor running more of a clear out to occupy the safety. McCarthy uses good anticipation to hit Jefferson, throwing the ball before he makes his break. However, what is most impressive is that McCarthy did it with an approaching defender ready to pulverize him in the pocket. He stood tall and made the throw without any hesitation. That’s big boy football.
McCarthy’s first touchdown
As mentioned above, the first touchdown came shortly after the throw on the out route to Jefferson. It’s an impressive throw, but some things could be better.
They send Nailor on a speed motion to create a switch release at the line of scrimmage. That gives Jefferson an easier time getting a clean release. McCarthy finds Jefferson in the end zone on the backside of the two dig routes with Nailor clearing the way for him. Now, McCarthy could have used better anticipation in finding Jefferson, but again, he didn’t need to because he rifled that in.
Where things are interesting for McCarthy is how the plant foot ended up being trapped by running back Jordan Mason. He ended up torquing his hips to generate more power. Thriving in murky pockets is something you need to do in the NFL, and he showed that trait on Monday.
Layering the ball
Layering the ball isn’t McCarthy’s strength. They worked with him on it during training camp, and it’s still a work in progress. The majority of throws were rocket balls on Monday night, but this one was slightly different.
This is a choice route from running back Aaron Jones, who decides what he is going to do at the five-yard mark when he meets linebacker Noah Sewell. His leverage determines what Jones does, and he streaks toward the pylon. It was the right call with the safety playing a deep half (Cover-2) and Nailor running a dig route to draw him toward the middle of the field.
McCarthy reads what Jones does and sees the safety start to drift, making his decision that much easier. He also took some juice off of this throw, showing touch on the ball, which he will need to do more of.
All in all, these throws are just a few of the hundreds he projects to throw this season, and it will be important for McCarthy to continue developing. There will continue to be ups and downs throughout the year, but these are a solid start going into his home debut.
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