How Sam Howell Can Steal Away Snaps from J.J. McCarthy
As a best case, Sam Howell is going to be Minnesota’s QB2. Even that role, though, isn’t a lock as the third preseason game inches closer (he’s even in the chatter about being cut).
So, what’s the hubbub about taking snaps from QB1 J.J. McCarthy?
Well, consider something we’ve seen a few times so far during the preseason: Mr. Howell successfully completing the QB sneak. Yes, I know we’re talking about a somewhat overlooked play — or, at least, a play that doesn’t always play a huge role — but there is a skill to it (just ask around in Philadelphia). Can Howell be the one who gets leaned on to do the job?
Sam Howell, J.J. McCarthy, & The QB Sneak
Any sense at all that keeping Mr. McCarthy healthy is important in Minnesota?
The sophomore looked pretty promising in last year’s preseason. He then ventured back into work with some word of a sore knee, a soreness that ended up being a season-ending injury. So, McCarthy’s rookie season was cancelled (at least the on-field portion of things). The Michigan alumnus had to constrain things to just the mental side of the game, forfeiting the physical for a time.
Thankfully, the recovery has gone well and J.J. McCarthy has now run away with the QB1 job.
Measure the distance between the shores of Massachusetts (where the preseason opponent New England Patriots play) and the shores of Ireland (where the Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Vikings in Week 4). Pretty large distance, right? That’s how large the gulf is between McCarthy and the next best option on Minnesota’s depth chart.
Short of another brutal injury, when, why, and how could Sam Howell step onto the field?
Note: I am not talking about another McCarthy injury. Rather, I am talking about stepping in for a play that could help to keep McCarthy from getting injured. Any chance Mr. Howell steps onto the field for the QB sneak? Doing so would take a couple bumps and bruises off of McCarthy’s body.
By my count, Sam Howell has been asked to pull off the QB sneak three times in the preseason. He has snagged a 1st Down twice. On the other occasion, Howell took the ball across the goal line for a score.
Now, I know there’s going to be some obvious push back.
Doesn’t it work as an obvious tell if Howell trots onto the field only for QB sneaks? Yes, most definitely, but does it matter? Jalen Hurts — the NFL’s QB-sneak king — succeeds without there being any deception. Lest you think that’s an exception, go ahead and think back to the common QB sneak. How often does the element of surprise really factor in? More often than not, we’re talking about the defense knowing with 99% certainty that a QB sneak is coming and yet still commonly struggling to stop it.
Another question: can’t any QB perform the QB sneak? Sure, in theory. The basics aren’t particularly complex and yet it’s indisputable that some are better than others (just like some QBs are better at the hard count than others). For Minnesota, maybe Howell is that better option.
Factor in, as well, an obvious difference: Sam Howell has a different build than J.J. McCarthy. The starter is listed as being 6’3″ and 219 pounds. The backup is listed as being 6’1″ and 225 pounds. In other words, a couple of inches shorter but still heavier. Does that stockier build help him when it comes to pushing the pile for a yard or less?
Two things are true of the Vikings in 2025. First, keeping McCarthy healthy is of the utmost importance. Second, the Vikings would do well to prove capable of being a first-down-getting, clock-killing offense.
At times, the best bet is to be an explosive, down-the-field offense, as was the case last year. At other times, though, maintaining possession of the ball is needed. To that end, converting on that critical QB sneak could be very important.
Sam Howell, 24, is far from the perfect quarterback. He nevertheless possesses some physical ability alongside room for further growth. Maybe that gets translated into a roster spot and being the Vikings’ sneaky QB in 2025.
