Randy Moss Drops QB Wisdom for Vikings
Randy Moss is almost untouchable in NFL history, as his track record is outstanding. Coming into the NFL in 1998, one could argue that no rookie has ever had more of an impact on his team and the entire league. His combination of speed and size might be unmatched, but he also possessed the ability to catch passes with one hand and run routes to escape from defenders.
Randy Moss Drops QB Wisdom for Vikings
When he’s talking, folks listen. Not many can compete with his charisma. On Monday, he once again proved that when he joined Kay Adams on her show Up and Adams. She told him she would sit rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy behind Sam Darnold all season. Moss, meanwhile, doesn’t think so.
My thing is, when we played, the first three guys that drafted — they’re playing. There’s no if, ands, or buts about it. Now, the 5th and 6th Round, we’ll see. May or may not see the field. Maybe a special teamer. First three rounds back then were played. Now, we’re drafting guys in the 1st Round, and they’re not even seeing the field. To answer your question — I don’t care if he’s not ready. He needs to be out there. Week 1.
Randy Moss
The borderline consensus belief is that veteran Sam Darnold is the Week 1 starter, receiving the first snap from center Garrett Bradbury. But Moss has never cared about any popular opinions.
The theory surrounding Darnold is that he can take his game to another level with a superior supporting cast compared to the ones he had in the past. Having Justin Jefferson on the outside and standing behind a solid offense line could unlock some untapped potential hidden inside the former third-overall pick, who is still only 27 years old.
McCarthy came into the league as the tenth overall pick, selected by the Vikings after trading up as the fifth quarterback in the draft. Half a year ago, he led his Michigan Wolverines to the national title. His doubters point at his underwhelming statistical output in the run-heavy offense, while his fans emphasize the intriguing physical tools and his record.
Moss’ former teammate and now Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell clarified the current order in June: “We haven’t had to put out a depth chart or anything like that, but I would say Sam [Darnold] would be the guy I would look to based on the spring he’s had and, really, where he’s at in his career and his quarterback journey, and what he’s been able to do coming in and [hitting] the ground running and taking advantage of the competitive situation.”
That, of course, can change in training camp and the preseason, but McCarthy needs a strong outing and should be considered the underdog.
Interestingly, the Vikings selected Daunte Culpepper 11th overall in 1999, and contrary to Moss’ beliefs, he didn’t start in Week 1 as the franchise red-shirted him for an entire season.
It remains to be seen if, half a century later, McCarthy is getting some more run in his debut season.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt