Most of the time, rookie quarterbacks aren’t really much given the reins of a team, let alone one that has finished with a promising record in the previous season. Such is not the case for JJ McCarthy, who is looking to come up with the starting role for the Minnesota Vikings this coming season as they head with a bigger goal of reaching the Super Bowl this time.

There have been a lot of talks as to how the Minnesota Vikings would even be able to come up with impressive strides after that disappointing run in the 2025 playoffs. Minnesota was originally pegged to be a landing spot for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers but eventually chose to focus on developing its young talent.

At this point, we all know that Sam Darnold is long gone from the roster, and the Vikings' selection to focus on McCarthy means that they are headed toward a new era of game in the squad. But the sophomore QB is unfazed, and he knows that expectations can be quite tough but eventually promising enough to consider especially with a chance to impress at the highest level in his hands.

A Gamble at McCarthy

Despite being on ice last year, we all know that the no. 10 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft has managed to show a lot of potential in his game. McCarthy’s preseason debut was a promising note, and that’s before he suffered a knee injury, which eventually led to a season-ending surgery.

Darnold started for the team, and the Vikings still managed to cruise for a 14-3 record but could not convert it to a championship run after losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card. But now that the reins are handed over to him, McCarthy seems to be confident enough heading into his big season.

"I know I'm ready to start," McCarthy said after a workout open to reporters. "Because all the work I put in and just the confidence in my skills and abilities, and just being able to do my job and simplify things to the best of my ability every single day and just taking one day at a time, one play at a time and, you know, I have a tremendous coaching staff, a tremendous group of guys around me that I can lean on and they can lean on me."

Time on Tank

Redshirting his rookie season is definitely not a good look, and McCarthy yet found the best time to study and learn. He has spent his time getting on the same page with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and has also been getting more time with his teammates and even the rest of the operational standards of the Vikings' organization.

For what it is worth, he is definitely feeling ready to play than before.

"Overall, I feel 110% because I feel better than when I got hurt eight months ago," McCarthy said. "Just really excited to be out here with the guys again and be in the building. Personally, I think the more pressure the better for me, because that's something I thrive off of and, you know, they always say the cliché: pressure is a privilege.”

McCarthy’s ascension to the starting role is progress for the Vikings. There are other QBs on the depth who have so much experience than him, but then this is the chance for them to chip in and help the second-year quarterback reinvent his game to begin his NFL campaign now more than ever.