Russini on McCarthy

[MaroonBells]

Can't wait for all of Russini's offseason takes. She has a real gift for saying nothing at all but in a way that drips with smirky judgement. Maybe it's just me. 

[StickierBuns]

Like I said in the other thread I started, its going to be simple and we'll find out in not too long what the org. wants to do about the QB position. The only thing I know is there is NO way KOC will field a passing offense like he did this year. It will either be with an improved JJM or someone else they bring in to compete and takes the spot. And if a real QB competition accomplishes either one of those that's cool with me. I'll definitely get behind it as a fan, with or without JJM. I want wins and I want the playoffs.

But I think I would have really liked to see the McCarthy version who isn't worried about his mechanics sneak into the playoffs this season. I think he could have changed a big part of his narrative heading into 2026. I think he's on the come. And any Viking's playoff game would have been on the road, he'd relish it.

Dianna might be right....and the more I think about it, the more it is probably the right way to go. I'd put money on McCarthy being the starting QB next year. JMO. But if they decide to not go with JJ, they could swing big. Its the only thing that makes sense other than staying with McCarthy.

[purplefaithful]

My brain already hurts and 25 isnt even over yet.

As of 1/3/26, my $ is they bring in a "more competent" back-up QB and go with JJM as the presumed starter.

They have a lot of resource and draft capital invested in the kid, too much to give-up now.

[Bullazin]

My brain already hurts and 25 isnt even over yet.

As of 1/3/26, my $ is they bring in a "more competent" back-up QB and go with JJM as the presumed starter.

They have a lot of resource and draft capital invested in the kid, too much to give-up now.

100%. Why would you bring in real competition when you had Jones and Darnold available last year?  Why does the calculus change?  Either JJ gets time to learn or he doesn’t, so to me it’s lose lose. 

The only benefit to creating the premise of competition I can see is that the team needs to believe in JJM, cause that’s a damn tough sell if they don’t. But again, what do you do? Ask the captains for input?  

KOC AND KAM have a delicate balance on their hands. I’m all for circling the wagons around JJM myself, but I’m not sure he has earned that.

[MaroonBells]

Assuming she's right (and that's a reckless assumption), the thing to take from this is that, yes, the Vikings will bring in someone, maybe even trade for someone, but they will not use McCarthy in the transaction, as was suggested by a rumor earlier this week. 

From the article: "Though Minnesota is open to bringing in veteran competition for the 22-year-old, O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have no plans to move on from the quarterback they traded up to draft less than two years ago. McCarthy’s continued development will be a central storyline for the Vikings as they enter an offseason filled with questions surrounding their aging and expensive roster."

By the way, I was curious about that aging bit, so I looked it up. First of all the average age of the youngest roster in the NFL is 25.2. The average age of the oldest roster is 28.1. In other words, there's not a huge difference between them, and that one or two changes makes a pretty big difference. For example, going into the season, the Vikings had the 8th oldest roster, but if you simply remove Harrison Smith and Andrew DePaola and replace them with 22-year-old draft picks, the Vikings go from 8th oldest to 6th youngest.

[purplefaithful]

Ponder started 36 games for the Vikings b4 giving away to Bridgewater...JJM hasn't even scratched the surface yet.

I like JJM and I like the resiliency he's shown in 2 very trying years. I even like how he talks about that challenge. 

My gut says the kid takes a big step forward in 26. I just hope he can prove he's durable along with it. 

Thats my biggest pause right now.

[JR44]

Can't wait for all of Russini's offseason takes. She has a real gift for saying nothing at all but in a way that drips with smirky judgement. Maybe it's just me. 

Surprised you do not like her, sounds like you two have a lot in common 

[Vikergirl]

I am already sick and tired of hearing about the Vikings trading for Burrow or Lamar. Neither of those are realistic options. I think JJM is going to get a shot. He needs more playing time. I think another training camp will be helpful for him. I am interested in seeing who else they bring in

[MaroonBells]

Surprised you do not like her, sounds like you two have a lot in common