Kevin O’Connell Spills the Beans on J.J. McCarthy
It was supposed to be J.J. McCarthy’s big introduction to the NFL, but the passer has only played in two of the team’s first six games, and he won’t be fully available on Thursday. McCarthy will once more hold the emergency QB duties behind Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer.
Kevin O’Connell Spills the Beans on J.J. McCarthy
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has been a QB whisperer in the eyes of many, and, indeed, his track record of getting the best out of his signal-callers is impressive. That’s why expectations were high for McCarthy; however, it’s been complicated by his knee injury last year and his ankle injury this year.
Folks understandably want to see the 22-year-old in action after the Vikings put all their eggs in the McCarthy basket all offseason.
On Tuesday, O’Connell announced the continued absence of his QB1. He stated that the medical staff and the coaches put McCarthy through an on-field workout on Tuesday, but he clarified, “We’re all kind of encouraged about where he’s at, and the progress he’s making, but he’s just not there.”
In the past offseason, the Vikings watched Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones walk out the door. They both have been fantastic for the new teams. Reports suggest that Darnold and Jones each had an offer on the table.
Either way, it’s been quite frustrating to watch Minnesota’s QB play compared to what those two have been able to do. Asked what’s preventing McCarthy from returning, O’Connell said: “It’s some of the movements, the reactionary movements within the pocket. Being able to use his athleticism to protect himself in the pocket and then as he’s able to work through progressions.”
A realistic timeline for high ankle sprains is 4-6 weeks. McCarthy will reach the six-week mark on Sunday. It’s still too early to ring any alarm bells.
“I feel really good about the work we’ve done on the foundation of his fundamentals,” O’Connell added. “That’s been pretty evident through the work that he’s done and really his commitment to doing that. It’s really just about, ‘Hey, there’s maybe a guy gets edged and I don’t really know the movement I’m going to have to make.’ That’s where he still feels it and if he doesn’t have the ability to do that pain-free, we obviously risk setting him back, which would be very, very unfortunate with the time lost already.”
The coach also noted that had the game been on Sunday, the decision might have been different, indicating a Week 9 return is likely. It looks like the Vikings and McCarthy have reached the final checkpoints of his recovery.
Besides his injuries, McCarthy’s play has raised some concerns. Seven of his eight quarters have been sloppy at best. The good news is that growth is not only likely, it’s almost guaranteed to take place.
In his absence, Wentz has been a solid backup, guiding the team to a 2-2 record. Some mind-boggling mistakes certainly haven’t helped doubters buy into the Wentz experience.
On Thursday, the passer will face a Chargers defense that ranks 23rd in DVOA and 19th in defensive EPA/play. Moving the ball against Jim Harbaugh’s squad should be doable. Aaron Jones could return to a lineup that is close to full strength around the QB, with only center Ryan Kelly missing.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.