JJ McCarthy will throw for more yards than Darnold 2024

[badgervike]

There, I said it.  I just get this feeling.  Both are talented QBs with big arms.  McCarthy is a redshirt rookie.  Darnold always had "head" issues and a deliberate (and slightly slow) progression.  Despite his youth, I think McCarthy is better suited for the mental aspect of the NFL.

The new and improved line is huge.  With Fries and Kelly contributing to the line, I think it's safe to assume our Interior line will not continue to look like the local Target store on Black Friday offering door buster deals.  I also think it's huge to bring in two interior linemen that are very familiar with each other.  Assuming Darrisaw is back and playing at his level, that line should be better than frankly I can remember for the Vikings.  We've talked about the improved line giving JJ a chance to not be running for his life half the time.  The one thing that doesn't get talked about enough is on the longer passing plays.  There were lots of games last year where receivers broke WIDE open but the pressure prevented getting the ball to the receivers.  Imagine the difference just another half second of protection would make for the longer and slower to develop plays that KOC loves to call.  The receiving corps should be improved even if Addison has to sit 3 games.  Hockenson wasn't fully back last year and I think Felton is an upgrade in receiver depth.  Also, the RB situation should be better this year although I'd still like to see them pick someone up at the last cuts.

The other reason that JJ will throw for more yards...at least one more game (assuming he stays healthy).  In spite of the schedule, I think the Vikings make the playoffs again...and win at least one post season game. JJ should be hitting stride by that time.

Again, I just got that feeling...

[StickierBuns]

[MaroonBells]

4300 yards is a high bar, but I wouldn't be too surprised if it happened. One reason he may not is that we'll probably run the ball more this year, especially in the red zone. So I'll take the under on both the yards and the TDs.

[StickierBuns]

Will Ragatz
@WillRagatz
·
J.J. McCarthy says it’s a different feeling “and a really good one” this year in terms of his comfort level. 

[badgervike]

4300 yards is a high bar, but I wouldn't be too surprised if it happened. One reason he may not is that we'll probably run the ball more this year, especially in the red zone. So I'll take the under on both the yards and the TDs.

I agree but that's also another reason I think JJ gets some big chunk plays this year with more defenders on the run.  He may not get as many TDs but I just get this feeling he's going to exceed Darnold's yards per season.

[StickierBuns]

When I say this kid is special, this is part of what I'm talking about:

https://www.si.com/college/minnesota/gop...he-vikings

"What was Lindsey's biggest takeaway from watching McCarthy practice?

"He's not very like, he doesn't seem the like the biggest outgoing, just talking nonstop. But he's very hard on himself, one, and then two, the guys really respect him. They're asking him what they can do better, what he needs," Lindsey said. "How he's gained the respect so fast from those Vikings players, who are obviously veterans. Even Adam Thielen was asking him questions. It's really cool to see that he's 22 years old and these veterans are coming up to him asking him questions."

[greediron]

When I say this kid is special, this is part of what I'm talking about:

https://www.si.com/college/minnesota/gop...he-vikings

"What was Lindsey's biggest takeaway from watching McCarthy practice?

"He's not very like, he doesn't seem the like the biggest outgoing, just talking nonstop. But he's very hard on himself, one, and then two, the guys really respect him. They're asking him what they can do better, what he needs," Lindsey said. "How he's gained the respect so fast from those Vikings players, who are obviously veterans. Even Adam Thielen was asking him questions. It's really cool to see that he's 22 years old and these veterans are coming up to him asking him questions."

First, what the hell is this?
"He's not very like, he doesn't seem the like the biggest outgoing, just talking nonstop."

Second, Adam Thielen asking questions?  In what, the media Q&A afterwards?

Nevermind, I see this was at a workout, not practice.

[MaroonBells]

First, what the hell is this?
"He's not very like, he doesn't seem the like the biggest outgoing, just talking nonstop."

Is she in middle school?

[Vikesrock]

I would say the eyeball test is going to put McCarthy > Darnold. BUT I think the Vikings as a team this year will be better then the 14-3 team last year. I believe that is going to provide less opportunity for McCarthy; therefore I think Darnold's stats from last season may outpace McCarthy's stats for this season. 4300 yards is a lot. And some of those games Darnold was gunslinging all game long.

I wouldn't be surprised to see more 215 yds 1 TD 1 INT games for McCarthy but the Vikings win 27-10ish. I see more games entering the 4th quarter with a 24-3 type of start and ending 27-10 because the defense can make a stop and the offense can burn clock running the ball. As well as in the course of the game, less overall possessions because of more 8 play 65 yard drives with 35+ yards coming on the ground. (New kickoff rule for a touchback moves the ball to the 35)

I am not sure if the record will be better then 14-3, there has to be some lucky bounces for that kind of record 2 years in a row, but I just feel like in a whole season there will be less opportunities for McCarthy because of a much better all around Vikings team.

[PurplePastor]

Does the yardage include interceptions? I just have a feeling that Darnold is going to revert back and throw INTs.