Kwesi: McCarthy would not have started last year

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.

That game against Jacksonville would have tested their resolve.

JustInTime wrote:
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.

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.

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

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...?!

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.

FLVike wrote:

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 wrote:
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.

MaroonBells wrote:

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.

Good to know they take their job seriously at least.  I think that is one of the biggest drags for the teams perpetually drafting QBs.  They give into the temptation of starting them too early.  Lots of bad habits form, confidence gets shattered.

JimmyinSD wrote:

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

Truth.  I do not subscribe to the "backup QB is the best option" of many fans, but I was screaming for him to be pulled in the Rams game.

greediron wrote:

Good to know they take their job seriously at least.  I think that is one of the biggest drags for the teams perpetually drafting QBs.  They give into the temptation of starting them too early.  Lots of bad habits form, confidence gets shattered.

Truth.  I do not subscribe to the "backup QB is the best option" of many fans, but I was screaming for him to be pulled in the Rams game.

you and me both... he had bad deer in the headlight eyes that game,  of course after the way the refs played him in the reg season matchup... cant really blame him,  but he needed to be benched.

Is McCarthy under more pressure than Caleb Williams? I see the point Schrager is making (the Vikings have a Super Bowl roster), but I disagree. If Caleb Williams fails (again), it's probably over for him. If McCarthy fails, he'll disappoint a lot of Viking fans, but it could be argued that this was just his first year as a starter. 

.@PSchrags believes J.J. McCarthy is under more pressure than Caleb Williams this NFL season 👀 pic.twitter.com/gOyZkuJQjc

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 9, 2025

I think there’s more pressure on Williams than JJM. JJM has a role to play in an already established system where KOC and Flores are performing well within their leadership positions. I think if JJM falters, KOC can replace him with a guy that will perform at a playoff caliber. Williams for better or worse has to become the guy that fixes Chicago’s century long trend of inadequate QB play. Also, Williams has to overcome his own trajectory from last year, whereas JJM is more of a blank slate. You only get to put so many mid performances on tape, before teams start to think that’s who you are, and Caleb has a seasons worth that JJM doesn’t.

MaroonBells wrote:

Is McCarthy under more pressure than Caleb Williams? I see the point Schrager is making (the Vikings have a Super Bowl roster), but I disagree. If Caleb Williams fails (again), it's probably over for him. If McCarthy fails, he'll disappoint a lot of Viking fans, but it could be argued that this was just his first year as a starter. 

[twitter]https://x.com/GetUpESPN/status/1932073915204919635[/twitter]

I get anyone's point really as JJM hasn't played one regular season NFL down. But although the roster is definitely improved, IMO its not Super Bowl level....but close. Anyone think Minnesota will beat Philly or the Rams this year? If the answer is no, then they aren't Super Bowl level. There's pressure for both McCarthy and Williams. Both teams have a killer schedule. Minnesota needs all of their FA signings this year to remain healthy. Minnesota's offensive line probably wont be 100% come the opening of the season. 

I have to see this team play with JJM for 4-5 weeks to know what's what. I say the pressure is equal for both. No way Chicago gives up on Caleb Williams already, he showed enough last year with a shit coaching staff to get some runway. You and I agree he may not be a consistently accurate enough dude to be a great NFL QB....but I think many in the Chicago braintrust feel last season for him as being 'bad' was a misnomer.