T.J. Hockenson Has a Sweet Comparison for J.J. McCarthy’s Arm
Although it has not yet been formally announced, the Vikings are fully expected to enter the season with sophomore J.J. McCarthy as their QB1. His rise has been delayed by a full season because of a torn meniscus suffered in the preseason, but that issue is a thing of the past, and he is ready to compete.
T.J. Hockenson Has a Sweet Comparison for J.J. McCarthy’s Arm
On his college tape, McCarthy shows an exciting level of mobility and athleticism and a powerful arm. That arm drew praise in last year’s OTAs and training camp, but has also caught the eye of his teammates.
T.J. Hockenson appeared on the Green Light Podcast hosted by ex-NFLer Chris Long.
“His arm talent is there. He’s got a sick arm. I remember catching passes from [Stafford], and it was one of those balls where it just zips on ya,” Hockenson said this week. “It looks like it’s not coming, but it’s coming. And J.J.’s got the juice behind it where it kind of has that effect. … He’s got insane arm talent, and really the personality that he has goes really well, and I think he’s gonna have a long career.”
After early injury struggles, long-time Vikings rival Matthew Stafford has delivered a long career in the NFL. His arm talent is undeniable, and so is his playmaking ability, and to some extent, his willingness to make backyard plays rather than play the game by the book all the time.
He was one of just two quarterbacks to beat the Vikings last year, and he did it twice, hurting Brian Flores’ defense with intermediate throws. Stafford can quickly diagnose plays with his veteran presence and use his arm to thread the ball into tight windows or find more open receivers.
Back to McCarthy, he was a successful high school quarterback with a pair of state titles, and he was successful in college by winning the national championship in his final year. His goal is to continue that streak in the NFL.
Asked about what McCarthy’s calling card would be in the NFL, Hockenson replied: “It really is his mind. He has a calming effect but also an intentional effect when he’s trying to communicate with you about what he wants on routes, what we want on routes. He’s learning about us as an offense, us as wide receivers, he wants to know the game of football, and that’s huge as a young guy.”
McCarthy completed 11 of 17 passes last preseason for 188 passing yards, a pair of touchdowns, and one interception. He also showed his mobility, scrambling twice for 18 yards. After some early struggles, it was fun to see him settle down and grow in real time.
Getting his body back to 100% is his first goal, then he has to work on some throwing motion details and get a full grasp of the playbook. The latter is something he could work on all of last year, even when he was not on the field, which is why he can’t be considered a rookie anymore.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell suggested a few weeks back: “He’s not a rookie. He’s been able to have, you know, that pseudo redshirt year, albeit without the reps we have wanted, but I’m really confident, really excited to see him hit the ground running. He’s had a great offseason and can’t wait to get going with him.”
Hockenson will be a significant security blanket for McCarthy, who excelled in college in throws over the middle of the field. Combined with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the outside, and an improved offensive line and a solid running back duo, McCarthy has all the help he could wish for.
McCarthy, 22, will be the most prominent player in Minnesota’s preseason.
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