The Minnesota Vikings are facing a significant problem with quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Despite engineering an 85-yard go-ahead drive late in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears, McCarthy's performance was largely inaccurate and unsettled. He threw two interceptions and completed only 16 of 32 passes, with few completions in the second half until the final drive.
While receiver Jordan Addison also had costly drops, the team's offensive struggles are not falling entirely on McCarthy, but his inexperience has come at a clear cost. McCarthy is currently managed rather than unleashed, and it's unclear if he can develop into a consistent passer.
This situation is taking a toll, as evidenced by Justin Jefferson's reaction to an errant throw. Minnesota faces pressure to determine if McCarthy can be trusted as the starter next year without insurance, as the 2025 season threatens to slip away.
