Daily Norseman
Beating the Cowboys is always good! Our young QB is slowly beginning to show the things that KOC has confidence in. I posted this link the other day but it is still relevant and kind of prescient.
A very good article here that says “NFL quarterbacks do not take any semblance of final shape, on average, until 250-300 drop backs”. It includes a lot of super nerd stats and a comparison to Jared Goff and Josh Allen to support the theory that by the Giants game we should be seeing the real version of JJ.
The Sneaky Reason to Be Excited about J.J. McCarthy
So far, in his career, JJ has completed 117 out of 206 passes. He might not get to the 250 mark until Christmas when they play the Lions. It is unfortunate for him, the team, and the fans that he was hurt earlier this year and missed those 7 games. He’d probably have at least another 100 attempts by now. He really needs all the reps he can get as we look towards the 2026 season.
There is a lot of talk about bringing in a “veteran” to compete with some folks even suggesting a trade might be in order. I think it is going to be very hard to do though. The number of “competent” QBs that will be available is very small. Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Marcus Mariota, Tyrod Taylor, Joe Flacco, and Jimmy Garoppolo are some. I do not see other teams not trying to keep most of these players though. Those teams need either a starter or a viable backup as well. Maybe some QB will want to come to Minnesota but why not stay where you are (Mariota, Taylor, and Garoppolo). Then, you have a situation in KC where Mahomes might miss the first couple of months of the season. Will they get someone new or re-sign Minshew? Zach Wilson may stick with Miami in case they do something with Tua or he unfortunately gets hurt again. I think Jimmy G sticks with the Rams next year. I’m thinking it could and should be Carson Wentz again. This time they should sign him in March so he is able to continue to pick up the offense. It’s not pretty but what can you do?
After the Dallas game, the future looks bright!
JJ McCarthy Sends Defiant Message on Future After Vikings Defeat Cowboys
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/jj-mccarthy-message-future-cowboys-win/
McCarthy missed all of his rookie year with a knee injury. He has sat out six games in 2025 due to a high-ankle sprain that cost him five contests and a concussion that robbed him of another. So while the former No. 10 pick is just three weeks away from the end of his second NFL campaign, he has less than a half-season of starting experience under his belt.
McCarthy made an Instagram post following his performance on “Sunday Night Football” in a win over the Dallas Cowboys,...
