JJ McCarthy Gets Vote of Confidence from Veteran Wide Receiver Ahead of Vikings Debut: “He’s Got All the Skills to Succeed”

Former Vikings and current Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen believes quarterback JJ McCarthy has all the tools to succeed in the NFL.

JJ McCarthy Gets Vote of Confidence from Veteran Wide Receiver Ahead of Vikings Debut: “He’s Got All the Skills to Succeed”

JJ McCarthy and Adam Thielen (Image via IMAGO)

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Adam Thielen left the Minnesota Vikings before the NFC North franchise drafted JJ McCarthy, but the veteran wide receiver took time out to train with the young quarterback. Many football analysts have doubts about whether McCarthy can adapt to the professional game after missing his entire rookie season through injury.

Sam Darnold started for the Vikings last year. The journeyman quarterback led them to a 14-3 record and an appearance in the wild card round, which they lost to the Los Angeles Rams.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell parted ways with Darnold in the summer. O’Connell made it crystal clear that McCarthy is the quarterback for the Vikings. He even turned down the option of signing Aaron Rodgers despite the veteran’s relentless interest.

The news coming from the Vikings camp is in favor of McCarthy. Former UDFA WR Adam Thielen spent time training with the Michigan alumni during the offseason. He developed a fairly good idea about McCarthy’s skills as a quarterback.

[JJ’s] got all the things need to be one of the successful players in the league. The kind of the things… we have talked about on how I have gotten to year 13? He’s already got it. He’s got consistency. He’s got that mindset. He’s got all the skills to play at a high level. I am really excited right now, my second summer working with him, to see him get an opportunity because I see it, his mindset all the things that takes to be a great quarterback in this league.

Adam Thielen said

Thielen is not the only receiver who has high hopes for the second-year QB. Justin Jefferson is looking forward to catching passes in a real game in the coming weeks.

Jefferson closely monitored JJ’s growth. Contrary to the general belief, McCarthy has a solid arm. However, the All-Pro wideout highlighted one key area that the Michigan alumni must improve before the season kicks off.

[Justin Jefferson] said if he had one thing that he learned about JJ McCarthy this offseason, it was that his arm strength is plenty good and will get him the ball wherever he needs it. If anything, he needs to slow the ball down a little bit and put some more touch on it.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert relayed Jefferson’s observation

It will not be easy for McCarthy to adjust to the pace of the professional game. Jefferson advised his young quarterback to follow his example and be confident.

I want him to be just as confident as I am of him to make the plays out there.

Jefferson said (H/T: NFL.com)

JJ McCarthy has a great chance of succeeding in Minnesota

There are always doubts surrounding unproven players, especially quarterbacks. His teammates must step up and help him motor through the early game jitters in situations such as this.

JJ McCarthy Gets Vote of Confidence from Veteran Wide Receiver Ahead of Vikings Debut: "He's Got All the Skills to Succeed"
JJ McCarthy (Image via IMAGO)

Fortunately, McCarthy has an amazing supporting cast. Jefferson is undeniably the biggest name in his unit. Apart from the potential future Hall of Famer, the 22-year-old can rely on receivers Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson, along with Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and Ty Chandler at running back.

The Vikings start their preseason tour by facing the Texans, Patriots, and Titans. O’Connell must use McCarthy cautiously to limit the risk of sustaining another long-term injury. He can let new signing Sam Howell take snaps in the friendlies before facing the Chicago Bears in week one of the regular season.

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