Why JJ will be an upgrade to Darnold

[Montana Tom]

One of the nagging things I saw last season was Darnold holding the ball so long.  It's been well chronicled and discussed here.

Sam Darnold had the third-longest time to throw in the NFL last season at 3.08 seconds, as he was also pressured 37.9% of the time.

In his National Champion year at Michigan, J.J. McCarthy had an average time to throw of 2.64 seconds.

With a beefed up OL in front of him, KOC is making sure that last year's leaky OL is not a recurring theme next season for his young QB.  

While I wish Darnold well in Seattle, I think Kwesi and KOC are setting the table for a better long-term outcome. And they're not done yet.

[StickierBuns]

Listen, Darnold did some very nice things in Minnesota. For sure. But he has issues. Sometimes holding onto that football helped him as guys came open, but he just refused to speed it up under pressure. I won't miss that. There will be some bumps in the road for just turned 22 year old redshirt rookie JJ McCarthy: he's learning. Like any rookie does. But he's got the aptitude, the mentality, the physical ability and the 'it' factor that could finally transcend the team toward that elusive trophy. He's the acorn that will become the mighty oak, fertilized and nurtured in the warm embrace of the 'QB Whisperer'. They are setting him up for success as this FA period shows. Hold onto your hats.

[pattersaur]

Sticky said it: They are setting JJM up for success.

In a vacuum I kind of hate the Aaron Jones signing. But when viewed through the lens of having JJM as the starter, it makes sense to have an all-around veteran back who is a leader back there. You pay for that.

The Vikings have hopefully FINALLY found an interior OL. They've tried through the draft and it just hasn't worked, so they're trying something new. Smart.

Our pass catchers might be the best in the league.

Brian Flores and his defense are mostly back, with some new components.

Last year all we heard about was the glass slipper situation Caleb Williams was sliding into. Well their OL stunk, the coaching was a disaster, and it all kind of fell apart.

I think McCarthy is ACTUALLY stepping into the situation this year that Williams thought he was getting. Williams was in wonderland and JJM is in the real world, ready to blow the roof off the league. FOLKS! I'm excited.

[MaroonBells]

I like to approach cautiously, especially when it comes to the QB position. But you don't build this kind of surround around a QB you don't believe in. 

I do think McCarthy will have his growing pains. It would be naive to think he won't. But the tools are there, the surround is there, the character and commitment is there, and he's had a year out of the spotlight to take mental reps and learn the offense. So while he's yet to take his first snap, there's a pretty high floor for JJ. Higher than it would be for a similar QB in a different offense. 

But what's exciting is that his ceiling is through the roof. His upside within this offense is enormous. I think JJ can have a Jayden Daniels like season. Better even. My only question is, since he was hurt last year, do we now have a QB who fits the criteria for Comeback Player of the Year? 

[Bullazin]

Thinking about this yesterday. If JJ gets a few hundredths more even, which he should makes a massive difference

[JustInTime]

White Jayden Daniels.

[bigbone62]

One of the nagging things I saw last season was Darnold holding the ball so long.  It's been well chronicled and discussed here.

Sam Darnold had the third-longest time to throw in the NFL last season at 3.08 seconds, as he was also pressured 37.9% of the time.

In his National Champion year at Michigan, J.J. McCarthy had an average time to throw of 2.64 seconds.

With a beefed up OL in front of him, KOC is making sure that last year's leaky OL is not a recurring theme next season for his young QB.  

While I wish Darnold well in Seattle, I think Kwesi and KOC are setting the table for a better long-term outcome. And they're not done yet.

People who are bothered by how long Darnold held the ball are in for a rude awakening. Not because of a deficit JJM has but because that's what the offense is.  Comparing Michigan's offense to what KOC runs is about as apples to hand grenades as you get. 

KOC has repeatedly made his feelings known when people have complained about MN QB's holding the ball too long. He's also pointed this out when interviewed and asked what makes his offense unique and or so effective. It's because his offense runs on long developing routes well above NFL average. 

He has said he's fine taking sacks if that means they can hit on x number of bigger plays. Basically a risk reward thing that he feels is worth it to make his offense run.

[MAD GAINZ]

People who are bothered by how long Darnold held the ball are in for a rude awakening. Not because of a deficit JJM has but because that's what the offense is.  Comparing Michigan's offense to what KOC runs is about as apples to hand grenades as you get. 

KOC has repeatedly made his feelings known when people have complained about MN QB's holding the ball too long. He's also pointed this out when interviewed and asked what makes his offense unique and or so effective. It's because his offense runs on long developing routes well above NFL average. 

He has said he's fine taking sacks if that means they can hit on x number of bigger plays. Basically a risk reward thing that he feels is worth it to make his offense run.

While that is true, the QB also has a responsibility to check it down or throw with anticipation.  Darnold wasn't consistent at that.  The other thing, JJ has some serious wheels so if there is pressure and the longer routes aren't open, he's a legitimate threat to break the pocket and pick up yards with his legs.  He's the perfect type of QB for KOC's offense.

[MaroonBells]

People who are bothered by how long Darnold held the ball are in for a rude awakening. Not because of a deficit JJM has but because that's what the offense is.  Comparing Michigan's offense to what KOC runs is about as apples to hand grenades as you get. 

KOC has repeatedly made his feelings known when people have complained about MN QB's holding the ball too long. He's also pointed this out when interviewed and asked what makes his offense unique and or so effective. It's because his offense runs on long developing routes well above NFL average. 

He has said he's fine taking sacks if that means they can hit on x number of bigger plays. Basically a risk reward thing that he feels is worth it to make his offense run.

Totally agree. But hopefully we get the kind of protection now that those routes require, and hopefully build in more safety valves when we don't.

[greediron]

Totally agree. But hopefully we get the kind of protection now that those routes require, and hopefully build in more safety valves when we don't.

Hopefully we are building the o-line first.  If Darrisaw isn't back in Sept, we need a plan so JJ doesn't get happy feet. Build the line so we can pass pro and run the damn ball.