Kwesi: McCarthy would not have started last year

[MaroonBells]

Just confirming what most of us already knew. Gotta hand it them, the Vikings are a smart org. 

[purplefaithful]

Sam made it easy for them to keep JJM on the bench learning and watching...

Maybe some mop-up duty here or there?

I'll just be glad to see more plays outside of the Raider game one of these days.

[JustInTime]

That game against Jacksonville would have tested their resolve.

[MaroonBells]

That game against Jacksonville would have tested their resolve.

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.

[Montana Tom]

It's been shown time and again that if a rookie is pushed into this cerebral game too quickly, it stunts their development or worse.
Healthy or recuperating, I think time will tell that the events as they unfolded were the best for us (14-3 with Darnold last year) and for JJM's long-term career.

[FLVike]

Yes, we already knew but 90% of the sports media didn't know and still don't.

[Zanary]

Most of us kinda knew he'd be riding some pine, even before the injury. Why push him into the deep end when you've got two playable veteran QBs to shoulder the initial load, if not more?

None of us wanted him hurt, but he got to marinate in the system, the culture, the pro experience...during a 14-3 season. His ambitions and expectations are likely boosted as a result.

Maybe, just maybe, we CAN have nice things...?!

[StickierBuns]

Yes, we already knew but 90% of the sports media didn't know and still don't.

KOC had said it forever and they were going to stick with the plan come hell or high water. JJ just turned 21 three months before the Draft. Its was prudent and the smart move, but he was injured regardless so.....

I wonder if JJ will be named one of the team captains this year? I think the team does this later, maybe even toward the end of training camp? Its not a huge deal as I see many team's do this with even rookie QBs, but not without meaning either. Its obvious that JJM has built a TON of equity within the team.

[BigAl99]

Removing Sam in the Jacksonville game wouldn't have been in the KOC QB syllabis of lessons. Not how you get the QB Whisperer title.

[JimmyinSD]

Removing Sam in the Jacksonville game wouldn't have been in the KOC QB syllabis of lessons.  Not how you get the QB Whisperer title.

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