Kevin O’Connell still unsure when JJ McCarthy will become Vikings’ starting quarterback

Rookie JJ McCarthy wouldn't take over the starting role until he is fully ready.

Kevin O’Connell still unsure when JJ McCarthy will become Vikings’ starting quarterback

JJ McCarthy and Kevin O'Connell (Via Imago)

When the Minnesota Vikings drafted JJ McCarthy using the 10th overall pick earlier this year, it was highly anticipated that he would be the starting quarterback, following Kirk Cousins‘ departure. However, the Vikings had also signed quarterback Sam Darnold and so far; the team hasn’t been able to decide who will be the signal-caller for Week 1 of the 2024 season. 

By the end of the offseason program, head coach Kevin O’Connell had told the reporters that Darnold was likely to take over the starting position over McCarthy. However, considering the latter’s draft selection, it goes without saying that the rookie quarterback will definitely obtain the starting role. The only question for now is ‘when?’ 

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It's just more about what is in the best interest of the organization. Those circumstances cannot affect what J.J.'s development plan is or any other player on the team for that matter. It just can't be something that selfishly ever impacts that decision. 
Kevin O’Connell said when asked about McCarthy’s transition to the starting QB, via Kevin Seifert of ESPN

O’Connell also claimed that his past experiences with the starting quarterbacks have made him more cautious and that’s why, he hasn’t been able to ascertain the starting quarterback for week 1. 

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But I want to be very clear that the expectation is for this player to not be perfect… He’s going to have growing pains, he’s going to learn on the fly. I’m not trying to remove that aspect of it. 
Kevin O’Connell added
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While elaborating on the subject, the Vikings’ head coach said that the rookie quarterback would take over the starting role when his comfort with the Vikings’ offense and ability to handle the challenging situations and the complexities of playing quarterback is not hindered by the notion of inexperience. 

I believe in J.J. McCarthy, but to get him in the building the right way under the right circumstances, and having another first-round pick like Dallas Turner helps that. 
Kevin O’Connell said
J.J. McCarthy
JJ McCarthy (Via Imago)

Regardless of McCarthy’s 29-1 record at his time in Michigan, O’Connell knows that immediate success as a rookie quarterback is an exception in NFL, not a rule. Also, the Vikings may have strong offensive weapons such as Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson– it doesn’t guarantee that McCarthy will succeed.

Considering all pointers, the Vikings are making sure that the rookie McCarthy shouldn’t get on the field until he is truly ready. 

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