Just a gentle reminder....

[FLVike]

What about this guy?

He's between JJ and TK. Like I said, JJ has a long way to go.

[StickierBuns]

Just a gentle reminder Sticky...you were JJ's biggest cheerleader last season...until you weren't.
Do I want him to stay healthy for the next 15+ years?  Yes.
Do I want him to become an All-Pro wearing purple?  Yes.
Do I want him to win the big one (in my lifetime) with the Vikings?  Yes.

I'm also a realist...no matter how much I want him to be great, he is going to have to do it on his own and prove all the naysayers wrong...just like Sam Darnold did in Seattle this season.

For me, Tom, I assess the team and play week to week. I say it alot during the season. At JJ's lowest point, he was making the offense dysfunctional and was very inaccurate. And I mentioned this as it was concerning. I wasn't understanding why it was happening, but there it was in my face, undeniable. What I didn't put together was what came when KOC decided to get the team together and say 'lets play like we did when we were 16 years old' and he told JJ to 'not worry about his mechanics'. Remember that? When KOC let JJ off the hook for his mechanics, he then started to play better and throw more accurately. It was undeniable, he wasn't pressing anymore. There was the guy I thought he'd be, at least emerging and improving. I was never going to cheerlead through his issues, I may be optimistic about his potential but I'm not blind.

Nowhere did I ever say he wasn't going to have to 'do it on his own'. The fact is the team still feels strongly about him, my guess is their major concern now is him staying healthy. Was it fluky or is this is a kid that's going to banged up often? That can only be answered this upcoming season. Jaxson Dart has been in concussion protocol 5 times in 10 games. Also, lets not deny at times the O-line didn't do JJ any favors. I think there is very very little chance of him not being QB1 this upcoming season.

Take with a grain...

[MaroonBells]

Maybe throw Zach Wilson (26) into the mix of Fine Young Cannibals. Selected 2nd in the draft (2021) by the Jets. Sound familiar?

Good point, he's a free agent. Another highly drafted free agent QB not many talk about is Mitch Trubisky, who played pretty well backing up Josh Allen in Buffalo.

[Zanary]

Kyler Murray is way overrated.  He and his contract have decimated AZ.  I think Wentz with a full offseason under his belt might be the best option.

I agree, although if Cousins is accepting of his position as a backup, he'd be another obvious choice. Both know the playbook and most of the players, both have proven themselves in the system, but neither would have the "shiny and new" qualities that some people need.

[MaroonBells]

Kyler Murray is way overrated.  He and his contract have decimated AZ.  I think Wentz with a full offseason under his belt might be the best option.

Oh but the talent. Made the Pro Bowl twice and not in a Shedeury way. Excellent arm strength, accurate, one of the most elusive QBs the NFL has ever seen, and still just 28 years old. Makes me wonder how he might look in a KOC offense throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Sure, he's got problems, but when I look at talent, age, trade comp (rumored to be a 2nd rounder), he's kind of at the top of the list. 

BUT...this would definitely be a replacement. You don't trade for a guy like that and give him a clipboard. Not sure if the Vikings are willing to make that big of a change...and all it would entail for young JJ.

[IceRatz16]

Loved the video.  I’m with you again, Sticky.  I’ve been a big McCarthy supporter, and for some reason I’ve probably given him a longer leash than most.  He’s definitely had some brutal fortune to start his career, but he’s also shown he can compete at this level.

A few things that get lost in the noise:

• When McCarthy was on the field, he was setting or brushing up against positive franchise/rookie/QB benchmarks/records
  
• He also had a major life moment right out of the gate, starting a family after his first NFL game
  
• He was stepping in after not playing meaningful football for 600+ days, which is about as tough a “rookie” runway as you can have
  
• By Week 13, the Vikings had rolled through 20+ offensive line combinations, which is chaos for any QB, let alone a young one
  

Like others have said, this fan base has been begging for a QB with real grit, presence, leadership, and competitive edge.  McCarthy checks those boxes.

I’m really excited to see what Year 2 looks like.  If the O-line stabilizes even a little, he’s now got a real foundation, games played, full practice cycles, command of the offense, chemistry with teammates, and the chance to fully step into being the leader this team wants.

[StickierBuns]

Loved the video.  I’m with you again, Sticky.  I’ve been a big McCarthy supporter, and for some reason I’ve probably given him a longer leash than most.  He’s definitely had some brutal fortune to start his career, but he’s also shown he can compete at this level.

A few things that get lost in the noise:

• When McCarthy was on the field, he was setting or brushing up against positive franchise/rookie/QB benchmarks/records
  
• He also had a major life moment right out of the gate, starting a family after his first NFL game
  
• He was stepping in after not playing meaningful football for 600+ days, which is about as tough a “rookie” runway as you can have
  
• By Week 13, the Vikings had rolled through 20+ offensive line combinations, which is chaos for any QB, let alone a young one
  

Like others have said, this fan base has been begging for a QB with real grit, presence, leadership, and competitive edge.  McCarthy checks those boxes.

I’m really excited to see what Year 2 looks like.  If the O-line stabilizes even a little, he’s now got a real foundation, games played, full practice cycles, command of the offense, chemistry with teammates, and the chance to fully step into being the leader this team wants.

I hear ya, man. Its coming, only delayed. He's gathering the stones people are throwing because he's got a castle to build.

[pattersaur]

KAM getting canned is probably gonna be one more thing McCarthy has to overcome. Historically, QBs get a longer leash from the GM who drafted them than from his successor.

I still believe.

[Vikergirl]

Most importantly and glaringly is JJM is young and immature. He needs to grow up. He needs to have a thicker skin and mental toughness in addition to improving mechanics, footwork, etc.

[StickierBuns]

Most importantly and glaringly is JJM is young and immature. He needs to grow up. He needs to have a thicker skin and mental toughness in addition to improving mechanics, footwork, etc.

Not sure where he's lacking in either. In what way? This criticism makes no sense to me. There's certainly other things to be critical of, but these two?