J.J. McCarthy is Getting Private Coaching from a “QB Guru”
In time, J.J. McCarthy is going to be a very good quarterback. Whether that eventuality arrives soon remains to be seen. So, too, is it uncertain whether the Vikings will have him as the QB1 over the long term (especially with the Kyler Murray news; ditto for Geno Smith).
Do note, though, that the kid is chipping away, even leveraging the help of a reputed coach.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell made the comment while chatting with Paul Allen and Pete Bercich. The skipper acknowledged the necessity of being able to press the “gas pedal down.” Part of the process involves the 23-year-old QB1 soaking up coaching from someone who knows a thing or two about helping passers to improve: John Beck, a former NFL passer who is now a coach.
J.J. McCarthy and The QB Guru
In college, McCarthy got coached up by Jim Harbaugh. He’s now getting coached by Kevin O’Connell, widely regarded as a “quarterback whisperer.” Josh McCown, who played in the NFL for forever (roughly) while playing for seemingly every team (roughly), is the position coach. Much wisdom in these coaching influences.
— Read More: J.J. McCarthy Gets His Marching Orders —
Add a “guru” to the list of those who are pouring into the talented 23-year-old passer. John Beck has a reputation. A good one, in fact.
Previously, the private coach played in the NFL, failing to solidify himself as a tremendous option before turning toward coaching. His pro background involves getting chosen at No. 40 in the 2007 NFL Draft (the event where some guy named Adrian Peterson got scooped up at No. 7). Beck’s career involved going 0-7 while completing 58.6% of his passes for 3 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
But while his on-field quarterbacking wasn’t stellar, Mr. Beck appears to have a nice reputation for his ability to help passers develop.
Consider, for instance, an interview he did with Rich Eisen (who is annually the most fun to watch at the NFL Combine). The description for the interview is where the “QB Guru” tag gets tossed out. Having worked with Jayden Daniels, a tremendously impressive passer with the Commanders, further solidifies the notion that Beck knows a thing or two about helping young arms shine.
As it relates to J.J. McCarthy, there’s much to improve.
The talented young fella needs to become consistently accurate. Getting there means continuing to master his mechanics — feet and eyes, as Coach O’Connell would say — so that he can consistently put the ball where it’s supposed to go.
Likewise, there’s great need to figure out how to take some heat off the ball. There was a time when the concern was that McCarthy couldn’t get enough velocity on the pigskin. Nobody who has watched him thinks that velocity is the issue. Quite the opposite is true.
Sometimes, the best thing a passer can do is place the ball rather than zip the ball. Think a nice two-seam fastball instead of a four-seam fastball. Or, perhaps, a looping curveball, a change up, and other pitches.
J.J. McCarthy has one main obstacle in his way: his injuries. Being able to stay healthy is the greatest hindrance to his NFL career. Putting those issues behind him — as everyone hopes — is the key since he’ll then get a chance to go to class on the grass. Reps are needed.
The kid has a work ethic, excellent athleticism, and great experience playing in a major college program (winning while there). Continuing to work alongside the private QB coach will mean that J.J. McCarthy should be a nice spot to take a good step forward in 2026.
