Vikings v Texans

Perfect menu for 1st preseason game. :)

I understand from training camp recaps this week with full pads on that JJM has struggled. I'm trying to be realistic, but I think my expectations during pre-season have been lowered.

Montana Tom wrote:
I understand from training camp recaps this week with full pads on that JJM has struggled.  I'm trying to be realistic, but I think my expectations during pre-season have been lowered.

Without Darrisaw, with Fries still ramping up, the defense being ahead of the offense, I would expect plenty of struggles.  That is why they do lots of 7 on 7, to get those good reps in.

Montana Tom wrote:
I understand from training camp recaps this week with full pads on that JJM has struggled.  I'm trying to be realistic, but I think my expectations during pre-season have been lowered.

You've heard that JJ has struggled? I know he hasn't been perfect, but I've not heard about him struggling. I hope this isn't based on the glut of videos on social media showing "JJ" throwing bad balls in camp that were actually other QBs.

Montana Tom wrote:
I understand from training camp recaps this week with full pads on that JJM has struggled.  I'm trying to be realistic, but I think my expectations during pre-season have been lowered.

He’s going to struggle some he’s a rookie. there’s not a chance on earth that he has a better season than Dornold at last year

Reminder that the Hall of Fame game is tonight (Thursday) on NBC at 8 eastern time ... Lions vs Chargers.

Neither team will play their starters much while Dan Campbell is not playing his starters at all. I'll tune in for a brief while just to get my NFL fix.

AGRforever wrote:

He’s going to struggle some he’s a rookie. there’s not a chance on earth that he has a better season than Dornold at last year

I actually don't believe that. It was far more KOC than Darnold last year. Before Kirks Achillies injury, he was putting up MVP numbers and it wasn't close. Given JJs work ethic and having that killer mentality at all costs, with KOC, he can very much match what Darnold did, even in his second year.

Canthony wrote:

I actually don't believe that. It was far more KOC than Darnold last year. Before Kirks Achillies injury, he was putting up MVP numbers and it wasn't close. Given JJs work ethic and having that killer mentality at all costs, with KOC, he can very much match what Darnold did, even in his second year.

While I agree on Kirk, if you remember, that team started out 0-4.  Even if JJ has all world numbers, if this team starts out 0-4 with loses to Chicago and Atlanta the pitchforks might come out.

I do believe in KOC more then anything else as well, but as many have stated, the oblong football bounces funny sometimes and while we may see on paper a special team, if you remember on the above 0-4 team, the stupid turnovers were killing them.  Something like that can really ruin a season.

Montana Tom wrote:
I understand from training camp recaps this week with full pads on that JJM has struggled.  I'm trying to be realistic, but I think my expectations during pre-season have been lowered.

I think it's important to have reasonable and realistic expectations, it is his first actual season. Struggle is part of the growth process

Canthony wrote:

I actually don't believe that. It was far more KOC than Darnold last year. Before Kirks Achillies injury, he was putting up MVP numbers and it wasn't close. Given JJs work ethic and having that killer mentality at all costs, with KOC, he can very much match what Darnold did, even in his second year.

Darnold threw such a great deep ball. So many of them were nuts on a gnat accurate. That’s why I don’t think JJM racks up the yards and TDs that Sammy did.

AGRforever wrote:

Darnold threw such a great deep ball. So many of them were nuts on a gnat accurate. That’s why I don’t think JJM racks up the yards and TDs that Sammy did.

Agree. A gorgeous, consistently accurate deep ball is not what McCarthy is known for. He can throw it, but I think he'll miss a few times early. The deep ball was Darnold's forté. 

The people who expect McCarthy to fail in his offense aren't paying attention, but to expect Darnold-like numbers—a ridiculous 4300 yards, 35 TDs—is asking too much from a first year starter on a team that wants to run the ball more.

MaroonBells wrote:

Agree. A gorgeous, consistently accurate deep ball is not what McCarthy is known for. He can throw it, but I think he'll miss a few times early. The deep ball was Darnold's forté. 

The people who expect McCarthy to fail in his offense aren't paying attention, but to expect Darnold-like numbers—a ridiculous 4300 yards, 35 TDs—is asking too much from a first year starter on a team that wants to run the ball more.

I never said I "expected" him to put up those numbers. I said I could see it in this offense. Just who he is as a player and person. I bet there isn't many QBs that work like him in the NFL. That is all I was alluding to. People that are putting a definite on things, I just try and show them reasons on why you can't close anything off when it comes to JJ and KOC.

Canthony wrote:

I actually don't believe that. It was far more KOC than Darnold last year. Before Kirks Achillies injury, he was putting up MVP numbers and it wasn't close. Given JJs work ethic and having that killer mentality at all costs, with KOC, he can very much match what Darnold did, even in his second year.

he can match it,  but it shouldnt be expected.  I think you are underestimating how important reps and experience are vs just pedigree and athleticism.  JJ may come out firing, or he may stumble a bit,  but success shouldnt be expected,  especially since he hasnt taken a competitive snap in a year.