Kwesi: McCarthy would not have started last year

[greediron]

I've heard that before and maybe so, but I don't buy it. Sam was 6-2 at the time, with 17 TDs, 7 INTs, only one game with a passer rating under 100 and getting some legit MVP buzz. 

I think it would've taken about 4 or 5 Jacksonvilles to make them think about it. And even then, all that talk from KOC about teams who had "dirty hands" because they mismanaged the development of young QBs by throwing them into the spotlight before they were ready, makes me believe they were adamant about keeping JJ out of the spotlight no matter what.

Good to know they take their job seriously at least.  I think that is one of the biggest drags for the teams perpetually drafting QBs.  They give into the temptation of starting them too early.  Lots of bad habits form, confidence gets shattered.

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if they didnt yank him in the Rams game,  he wasnt coming out in the jags game.

Truth.  I do not subscribe to the "backup QB is the best option" of many fans, but I was screaming for him to be pulled in the Rams game.

[JimmyinSD]

Good to know they take their job seriously at least.  I think that is one of the biggest drags for the teams perpetually drafting QBs.  They give into the temptation of starting them too early.  Lots of bad habits form, confidence gets shattered.

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Truth.  I do not subscribe to the "backup QB is the best option" of many fans, but I was screaming for him to be pulled in the Rams game.

you and me both... he had bad deer in the headlight eyes that game,  of course after the way the refs played him in the reg season matchup... cant really blame him,  but he needed to be benched.

[MaroonBells]

Is McCarthy under more pressure than Caleb Williams? I see the point Schrager is making (the Vikings have a Super Bowl roster), but I disagree. If Caleb Williams fails (again), it's probably over for him. If McCarthy fails, he'll disappoint a lot of Viking fans, but it could be argued that this was just his first year as a starter. 

[StickierBuns]

Is McCarthy under more pressure than Caleb Williams? I see the point Schrager is making (the Vikings have a Super Bowl roster), but I disagree. If Caleb Williams fails (again), it's probably over for him. If McCarthy fails, he'll disappoint a lot of Viking fans, but it could be argued that this was just his first year as a starter. 

I get anyone's point really as JJM hasn't played one regular season NFL down. But although the roster is definitely improved, IMO its not Super Bowl level....but close. Anyone think Minnesota will beat Philly or the Rams this year? If the answer is no, then they aren't Super Bowl level. There's pressure for both McCarthy and Williams. Both teams have a killer schedule. Minnesota needs all of their FA signings this year to remain healthy. Minnesota's offensive line probably wont be 100% come the opening of the season. 

I have to see this team play with JJM for 4-5 weeks to know what's what. I say the pressure is equal for both. No way Chicago gives up on Caleb Williams already, he showed enough last year with a shit coaching staff to get some runway. You and I agree he may not be a consistently accurate enough dude to be a great NFL QB....but I think many in the Chicago braintrust feel last season for him as being 'bad' was a misnomer.

[medaille]

I think there’s more pressure on Williams than JJM. JJM has a role to play in an already established system where KOC and Flores are performing well within their leadership positions. I think if JJM falters, KOC can replace him with a guy that will perform at a playoff caliber. Williams for better or worse has to become the guy that fixes Chicago’s century long trend of inadequate QB play. Also, Williams has to overcome his own trajectory from last year, whereas JJM is more of a blank slate. You only get to put so many mid performances on tape, before teams start to think that’s who you are, and Caleb has a seasons worth that JJM doesn’t.