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Life is good if you are..... - StickierBuns - 01-19-2026
Denver.....Chicago.....New England. My guess is Washington brass feels that as well, a little to prove there yet but not much. Atlanta and Minnesota? No idea and the jury is still out in a big way. If Penix and McCarthy can step up next year, this QB Draft class could easily be on its way to being historically great.
Unfortunately, Chicago is going to be a giant pain in the ass from this point forward with Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson. No lead will be safe with Caleb, he's a magic man out of the pocket. He'll suffer inaccuracy at times but will make up for it with real hero ball. That 4th down throw for a TD was one of the sickest things I've seen in a bit. I was awe-struck and slightly sickened at the same time watching that throw. Drake Maye is going to be masterful and we're seeing it a bit now. Nix? Probably going to be chronically underrated for awhile, but is just a winner and will keep winning. Jayden Daniels had a reset his 2nd season, even before the injuries the league caught up to him a bit, but I think he'll shake that off and be a really good NFL QB. Penix? I'm not sure.....but I think he's a decent NFL QB in waiting. Great? Can't say yet, but I'm inclined right now to think no.
And that leaves us with JJ McCarthy. I still feel strongly he's going to get there, but we suffered his worst that last season at times and he's going to spring forward this upcoming season an improved QB. McCarthy is a gunslinger with a big arm and really good mobility. Ice water for game winning drives, on the road doesn't matter. As MB has said previously paraphrasing, he makes the hard throws look easy and the easy throws look hard. But its the dynamic aspect of the game that might make him really good and somewhat unique, the easier throws should be a thing that can be worked on an improved on in a meaningful way. SHOULD. More reps, some competition and I think it comes together IMO. His teammates respond to him and respect him.
What I've learned the last 3 or 4 years watching the Redzone Channel is even the great QBs make some really stupid throws and INTs. Its a very, very tough position to play, NFL QB, consistently well. Even with all the rules favoring the offense, the athletes on D now in the modern NFL make it really tough to score points. Otherwise, every game would be 68-45 with the rules favoring the O, but that's not what happens. If all I hear is 'be patient' with young QBs from every aspect of everything, I certainly feel JJM has the stuff to be patient with, certainly for another year. Looking forward to September. Remember, the NFL has a short memory: being great year to year is very diffcult. The NFCN is very wide open: Minnesota finished 3rd in the division and JUST out of the playoffs with pretty bad QB play at times. JJM went 6-4 and I think he'll remain healthy next year and build off of that to have the Vikings competing for the division.
RE: Life is good if you are..... - Still Hurtn - 01-19-2026
Caleb looks special (in more ways than one) Vikings look like a team that said we want to do a competitive rebuild in perpetuity.
RE: Life is good if you are..... - JimmyinSD - 01-19-2026
Williams style of play is unsustainable IMO, he will be a PITA for a few years, but those hits he's taking will start to take a toll on his body, and he will lose a step or two as a result leading to more hits. He could evolve, but I dont see much as of yet. At least that's what I'm hoping.
RE: Life is good if you are..... - StickierBuns - 01-19-2026
(01-19-2026, 06:39 AM)Still Hurtn Wrote: Caleb looks special (in more ways than one) Vikings look like a team that said we want to do a competitive rebuild in perpetuity.
...not as 'special' as CJ Stroud.
RE: Life is good if you are..... - pattersaur - 01-19-2026
(01-19-2026, 07:12 AM)StickierBuns Wrote: ...not as 'special' as CJ Stroud.
Stroud looked totally shell-shocked and yesterday was not the first time that’s happened. If I’m a Texans fan I’m very worried.
RE: Life is good if you are..... - purplefaithful - 01-19-2026
Caleb Williams reminds me of Brett Favre, but he's more athletic.
There I said it...
He will do some bone-head things that'll drive em crazy then he's Superman on another play. And yah, he and Ben Johnson should be a formidable pairing for many years.
We'll see,? The NFL has a cruel sadistic streak to her, so things can go south in a hurry. Just ask any fan of the Bronco's right now.
As far as JJM goes? I will have to wait and see like everyone else here in Vikingland. I really like the kid, but last year was a confidence shaker for me the fan.
I hope to hell we dont have to draft another QB in 27, Im not getting any younger for F sake.
RE: Life is good if you are..... - MaroonBells - 01-19-2026
It's just so hard to tell with these guys. Bears don't get that 56-yard KO return, Vikings sweep them. Couple years ago CJ Stroud was the messiah in Houston. He's less messiah and more pariah today.
RE: Life is good if you are..... - comet52 - 01-19-2026
Bears had crazy turnover luck this year, weren't as good as their record. Johnson definitely got more out of Caleb. All the last minute comebacks were fun but that doesn't tend to happen year in and year out. I think they will be good next year but not as lucky. Probably finish behind Detroit or Green Bay.
RE: Life is good if you are..... - MaroonBells - 01-19-2026
Caleb Williams playoff numbers...
41/85
402 Yards
2 TDs
5 INT
51.6 QBR
RE: Life is good if you are..... - comet52 - 01-19-2026
(01-19-2026, 11:03 AM)MaroonBells Wrote: Caleb Williams playoff numbers...
41/85
402 Yards
2 TDs
5 INT
51.6 QBR
A rollercoaster. Spectacular play, then heartbreaking INT.