The Vikings QB Verdict Is In
The quarterback position has been a frustrating topic in the State of 10,000 Lakes, as the Minnesota Vikings have watched various former signal-callers ball out elsewhere. J.J. McCarthy, the man chosen to become the next franchise quarterback, has struggled to put one foot in front of the other.
The Vikings QB Verdict Is In
Last Sunday, McCarthy once again struggled. In his border battle debut, the sophomore tossed a couple of passes to Green Bay defenders and couldn’t erase any doubts about his game.
On Monday, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced that his captain had been placed in concussion protocol. His status for Week 13’s rematch against Sam Darnold was in doubt. The Vikings didn’t wait until the very end to make a final decision and they ruled McCarthy out on Friday.
The coach said Friday, “He’s progressing but just not able to clear the last few steps. And quite honestly, I just have pretty strong feelings on just when guys do get a concussion and where they’re at in regards to the next week. I always want to leave it open to the doctor’s ultimately say and decision and the protocol is in place for a reason.”
McCarthy’s first six games have been rocky, and that’s an understatement. The second-year player and first-time starter has shown a level of inaccuracy that’s completely unacceptable, paired with a flawed decision-making process. He’s taking too long to make decisions that are wrong too often.
In addition to his frustrating on-field play, he can’t stay on the field. Of course, he can’t be blamed for that, but it’s annoying regardless. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season with a torn meniscus, followed by a five-game absence due to a high ankle sprain this season, and now another contest on the sidelines with a concussion.
Last year’s starter, Sam Darnold, will be on the other side in Sunday’s game with the Seahawks, and the guy who started earlier this year, Carson Wentz, is on IR following his shoulder surgery.
That leaves undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. It’ll, without a doubt, be the biggest game of his career. Even hardcore Golden Gophers fans would be hard-pressed to find a game with higher stakes on their 2024 schedule.
His NFL experience can be summed up pretty quickly. He played the meaningless fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals, when the defense had already wrapped up the game. Then, he pulled off a kneel-down in London, as Wentz was already in the locker room and had his shoulder checked out, and Brosmer threw some passes late in the losing effort versus the Chargers. Eight passes in his NFL career — that’s it.
He was never supposed to play for the Vikings this year but here we are. It’ll be his chance to show the Vikings and the entire league that he belongs.
The young passer explained on Friday, “I think for quarterbacks, nerves versus nervous is really important to distinguish between. I think it’s great to have nerves because that’s what locks you in, but the nervous piece comes with anxiousness and that’s not me and that’s not this team. I think the nerves, you grow up playing from third and fourth grade and you’re like, ‘I can’t wait for game day. I’m riding in the car with my mom to go play Saturday with the guys and the kids playing little peewee football.’ You have those nerves. That’s what makes you great. And then you go to the NFL, it’s the exact same thing.”
Brosmer overall played well in the preseason, but how much can you really take away from his performances against second and third-stringers when neither coordinator is deploying any fancy plays?
Minnesota’s offense has been one of the worst in the NFL, and McCarthy has been one of the worst quarterbacks we’ve ever seen. If Brosmer can provide any competent level of quarterback play, his Sunday would be considered a win.
Get ready for some Brosmer ball.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.