Field Gulls
Two years ago, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy hoisted the CFP National Championship trophy at the expense of Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. Now the former collegiate stars turned first round picks are set to meet in the pros for the first time.
McCarthy’s NFL debut was rough for three quarters against the Chicago Bears, then he turned it on with an amazing three-touchdown final quarter to deny the Bears a win and give the Vikings a tremendous comeback. Penix is in his first full season as a starter, and so far he looks as good as he did in college. Unfortunately, his would-be game-winning TD run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was erased by the heroics of Baker Mayfield and Emeka Egbuka, then Younghoe Koo missed the tying field goal that would’ve forced OT. Koo has since effectively been benched.
It should be a fun one given Minnesota’s chaotic style of defense, Atlanta’s exciting offense, and the hope that we’ll get highlight moments from both QBs.
NBC has the kickoff at 5:20 pm PT from Minnesota.
