JJ McCarthy Wishes He Had Played Better Despite A Win In a Crucial Divisional Game

The Minnesota Vikings (4-4) handed the Detroit Lions (5-3) their second divisional loss of the season on Sunday at Ford Field in Detroit. The Vikings, bolstered by the return of second-year quarterback JJ McCarthy, edged out the Lions in a close 24-27 contest.

McCarthy, who missed a couple of games owing to a high ankle sprain, returned to the field on Sunday, replacing Carson Wentz. In his first game back, McCarthy threw 14 completions of 25 attempts for 143 yards comprising two touchdowns and an interception. McCarthy also rushed for one touchdown.

The expectations from the 22-year-old Michigan Wolverines alum were not high, considering he just came back from an injury and his subpar debut starts. After a three-touchdown performance in a divisional game when all the odds were stacked against him, McCarthy deserves some kudos. But the young quarterback was far from being happy, a fact that he had no shame in admitting in the post game conference.

Nonetheless, he gave himself some grace for keeping his emotions and temperament in check during the game and channeling them to a win.

I’m happy that we got the win, but I’m not proud to be honest with you. There’s a lot of meat on the bone. I feel like I could’ve played a lot better, but coming into this environment and controlling my emotions, controlling my temperament going into it, I was proud of that.

JJ McCarthy told reporters after the game

McCarthy elaborated on the aspects that he will look forward to making some changes. After all, he did throw an interception. In the second quarter, when the Vikings were leading 17-14, McCarthy ended up throwing behind Jalen Nailor and was intercepted by Detroit’s cornerback Terrion Arnold.

Luckily, Nailor held Arnold in place and refused the Lions to gain yards on that play. McCarthy also admitted that he was a little too amped and that affected the pass game on Sunday. The Vikings QB also gave credit and expressed gratitude towards his teammates for having his back on such a daunting matchup.

Tom Brady was impressed by JJ McCarthy in his return game against the Lions

JJ McCarthy made some waves in the game with a better first 15 play statistic as compared to his other two starts, against the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons. In the first 15 plays, McCarthy threw 2-of-4 for 9 total yards against the Bears, followed by 4-of-4 for 25 yards in Week 2. The picture was completely different on Sunday when he completed 5-of-6 passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns.

A study by SumerSports found that roughly 60% of NFL teams record a higher EPA per play during their first 15 offensive snaps. And McCarthy and the Vikings squad did a better job of it in their last game. While many critics and analysts are holding back or harsh on giving a full panel review of him, McCarthy received praise from former NFL quarterback and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.

Outside of the one throw where he threw it behind [Jalen] Nailor on the interception, there’s so many positives from what I’ve seen here today. Accurate throws, good decisions, good times to throw the ball away. Definitely giving this team the spark that it needed coming into a very tough place to play.

Tom Brady said on FOX Sports

The division leaders Green Bay Packers, also had a setback last week, losing to the Carolina Panthers. With the Packers and the Lions losing games, the NFC North has opened up much more. The Vikings are one game off a playoff spot, the last wildcard spot being taken by the Detroit Lions.

The Vikings are 2-0 in the division, and they have four division games left. They are in control of their future and each game counts, starting with next week’s crucial game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Also Read: Joe Flacco Breaks Tom Brady’s Record with Career-High 470 Yards Game Against Bears

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