T.J. Hockenson compares Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy's arm to that of a former NFC North foe
Going into the 2025 season, the biggest question surrounding the Minnesota Vikings is on the offensive side of the football. After two years of Kirk Cousins and one year of Sam Darnold, head coach Kevin O'Connell is finally ready to give the keys over to the 10th overall pick, J.J. McCarthy, after he missed his entire […]
Going into the 2025 season, the biggest question surrounding the Minnesota Vikings is on the offensive side of the football.
After two years of Kirk Cousins and one year of Sam Darnold, head coach Kevin O'Connell is finally ready to give the keys over to the 10th overall pick, J.J. McCarthy, after he missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus.
That fact has many across the league not believing in the Vikings, but the one thing they don't discuss is how good the team is around him.
J.J. McCarthy draws comparison to Matthew Stafford
Speaking of his teammates, tight end T.J. Hockenson is one that has come away very impressed with McCarthy. He made an appearance on the Green Light podcast with Chris Long and had glowing things to say.
The one thing that stood out about Hockenson's comments were about his arm talent, comparing him to a former teammate of his, current Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
"You know, his arm talent is there, he's got a sick, sick arm. I remember catching up, and I told him this the other day. I said, 'I remember catching passes from Staff (Matthew Stafford), and it was one of those balls where it just zips on you. It looks like it's not coming, but it's coming, yeah, you know. And, J.J. has got the juice behind it where it kind of has that effect where it doesn't look like it's coming, it's a tight spiral, but it's coming. You know, it's hanging in the air. So, he's got it. He's got an insane talent, arm talent, and really, the personality that he has goes really well, and I think he's gonna have a long career."
Arm talent isn't something that you would think about right away when it comes to McCarthy, but there is plenty of ability. It's especially evident in the intermediate levels of the field. When he lets it rip across the middle, he's got plenty of juice. Don't be surprised if it becomes even more evident after the Vikings spent all of last season working on his mechanics.
McCarthy is going to end up proving a lot of people wrong come September, as he's already winning his teammates over.
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