The Minnesota Vikings entered the last season with three quarterbacks: Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and rookie J.J. McCarthy. Darnold started each game in a 14-3 regular season. The team signed Jones in November after he was released by the New York Giants. McCarthy, however, missed the entire season due to a meniscus tear.
After Darnold lost critical games, including a deciding NFC North matchup and a playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, the Vikings re-evaluated their quarterback situation. They concluded that Darnold was not the long-term solution. In addition, the coaching staff found insufficient evidence in Jones’ practice to keep him. Subsequently, Darnold joined the Seattle Seahawks, while Jones signed with the Indianapolis Colts.
Vikings’ New Quarterback: J.J. McCarthy
The Vikings entrusted J.J. McCarthy with their franchise’s future. In his final collegiate game, McCarthy completed 10 of 18 passes for 140 yards. In Week 1, he led an impressive comeback victory against the Chicago Bears, initially validating the team’s decision.
Mid-Season Struggles
As of Week 12, however, the Vikings are reconsidering their choice. With a current record of 4-6, they find themselves outside the playoff picture in the NFC. McCarthy has a starting record of 2-3, struggling significantly in comparison to his predecessors.
- Sam Darnold’s new team, the Seattle Seahawks, has a record of 7-3.
- Daniel Jones’ Colts are performing well with an 8-2 record.
McCarthy expressed his challenges as a first-year starter. He mentioned, “Coming in here, I was taught how to play quarterback in a very different way.” He acknowledged the impact of missing practice due to injuries, including a high ankle sprain.
Comparing Team Performance
As the season progresses, McCarthy’s performance has deteriorated relative to Darnold and Jones. The Vikings’ offense is averaging 21.8 points per game and throwing for 193.0 yards, lower than the previous year’s metrics.
| Player | Team | Record | Touchdowns | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J.J. McCarthy | Minnesota Vikings | 4-6 | Lower | Worse |
| Sam Darnold | Seattle Seahawks | 7-3 | Higher | Better |
| Daniel Jones | Indianapolis Colts | 8-2 | Higher | Better |
The Vikings are built to win, featuring star receiver Justin Jefferson and a strong defense under coach Brian Flores. Yet, the offense must improve if they hope to contend for a playoff spot this season.
