Why one Minnesota Vikings injury eased the minds of rival coaches and executives in 2024

The Minnesota Vikings are in the midst of a competitive rebuild . Now, because it's not a traditional rebuild, there have been more criticisms than there should be. Instead of 2-3 years of not really trying to win games, the Vikings have tried to win while fixing the health of the salary cap.

The potential of winning the Super Bowl was always set for 2025 and beyond, but that doesn't mean the 2024 season is for nothing. There will be a ton of development happening throughout the roster and the youth the Vikings have will get a year with significant snaps.

Rival executives and coaches feared Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy

After the 2025 NFL Draft, the Vikings seemed to have found their quarterback of the future in J.J. McCarthy . He thrived during training camp and his lone preseason game saw him throw for 188 yards and two touchdowns. It wasn't just the stats, it was the throws he made with anticipation over the middle and the decision making was on point.

Those factors, along with how well he was performing in practice and the situation he has with head coach Kevin O'Connell's offense had some in the league worried. The Athletic's Jeff Howe talked to executives and coaches about all 32 teams and the biggest takeaway for the Vikings was they didn't have to see McCarthy

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s torn meniscus was a tough one to swallow. Prior to the injury, rival coaches and executives debated whether the Michigan product would’ve had the best season among the six first-round rookie QBs.

Not Justin Jefferson, not T.J. Hockenson, teams were fearful of McCarthy in this offense. Honestly, teams should be scared of what the Vikings can become with McCarthy at the helm.

He fits this offense like a glove and is able to whip the ball down the field with his arm strength. With his pocket presence and the ability to extend the play with his legs, that is a lethal potential combination for the Vikings.

They won't be able to see that manifest until at the earliest next season, but early returns and opinions are good.

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