For the past six seasons, the Minnesota Vikings had the peace of mind that comes with having an experienced quarterback like Kirk Cousins. They’re fast adjusting to life with a rookie quarterback at his first OTA practice.
The Vikings expect J.J. McCarthy, the No. 11 pick, to compete with Sam Darnold for the starting job this season. However, McCarthy is going through the growing pains that come with being a rookie signal caller in the NFL.
J.J. McCarthy impressed in the pre-draft process.
According to NBC Sports’ Myles Simmons’ interpretation of Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown’s comments on Wednesday, Minnesota knew McCarthy was a “A-plus” in the pre-draft meeting room.
“Then when we went back for the private workout, just the meeting-room time, you could see he’d been extremely well taught, and his recall of the plays and materials we gave him and wanted him to go over was spot on. “He was A-plus in that regard,” McCown stated.
“That was promising as well. But I’d say the classroom more than anything else, as well as his own talent – sitting in a classroom with a bunch of coaches can be scary for a young player. And he held his own, first intellectually, then relationally and emotionally.”
The Minnesota Vikings have a “growth mindset” for McCarthy.
According to NBC Sports’ Myles Simmons’ interpretation of Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown’s comments on Wednesday, Minnesota knew McCarthy was a “A-plus” in the pre-draft meeting room.
“Then when we went back for the private workout, just the meeting-room time, you could see he’d been extremely well taught, and his recall of the plays and materials we gave him and wanted him to go over was spot on. “He was A-plus in that regard,” McCown stated.
“That was promising as well. But I’d say the classroom more than anything else, as well as his own talent – sitting in a classroom with a bunch of coaches can be scary for a young player. And he held his own, first intellectually, then relationally and emotionally.”
The Minnesota Vikings have a “growth mindset” for McCarthy.
Multiple reports from rookie minicamps and OTAs indicate that McCarthy has a lot to learn about quarterbacking in the league. McCown stated that the Vikings are attempting to retain a “growth mindset” in Year 1 while he adjusts to things like hashmarks being narrower in the NFL than they were in college.
“We have to strike it perfectly and ultimately maintain a growth mindset with him,” McCown stated. “We want him to do well in every snap he receives. But every snap he gets, many of these are his first attempts at some of these looks and throws.
And the things you’re required to accomplish in the professionals vary by organization, as opposed to what you’re expected to do in college. I mean, the hashes differ. So many of these things are new to him.
The Minnesota Vikings need J.J. McCarthy to grow up quickly.
McCarthy must continue to mature quickly for the Vikings to succeed. The Vikings experienced a string of quarterback injuries last season, so the chances of him playing this season are strong, even if Darnold starts. McCown stated that the Vikings are attempting to strike a “balance” between assisting McCarthy in his development while also ensuring that the rookie does not undermine the entire offence.
“So, you grasp those things and frame them properly as he progresses through it. However, we must always demand a level of productivity and execution that is consistent with our group’s overall identity. So you’re always trying to strike that balance. But, ultimately, I believe he should approach everything with a growth attitude and as if it were Year 1.
McCown’s words do not paint a positive picture of McCarthy’s situation ahead of mandatory OTAs in June. When the Vikings drafted McCarthy, they likely understood he would be a project quarterback. McCarthy will, however, have to adjust to the NFL faster than his draft partner Michael Penix Jr. There will be no Cousins to start the season in Minnesota while McCarthy learns the hashes.
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