When training camp opened a few weeks ago, it seemed there was a pathway for the Minnesota Vikings to be a surprise team this season. They have arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL in Justin Jefferson, an excellent WR2 in Jordan Addison and a very capable tight end in T.J. Hockenson. In addition, they have an intriguing rookie quarterback in J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy just led the University of Michigan to a win in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, but there have been questions about whether he can succeed at the pro level. At Michigan, he played in a run-heavy offense under then-head coach Jim Harbaugh, but the Vikings throw the football more than almost every other NFL team.
Unfortunately, McCarthy won’t get the chance to prove his critics wrong this season after tearing the meniscus in his right knee. When the injury occurred, people simply assumed this would be a lost season for Minnesota.
However, in a surprising take, Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report explained how the Vikings could still become a contender this season.
“Losing J.J. McCarthy for the season could be a blow for the Minnesota Vikings, but not necessarily in the short term,” wrote Gagnon.
“The rookie first-rounder would have needed time, and the Vikings could well be in better hands this year with the still-young and still-talented Sam Darnold running the show under center.
“In support of Darnold, Minnesota has eliminated potential distractions and created short-term financial flexibility this spring/summer by extending key offensive cogs Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw.”
Darnold has never quite reached the potential people thought he had when he was the No. 3 pick in the 2018 draft out of the University of Southern California. But there seems to be a feeling among some that he will do just fine this season, especially with all the playmakers the Vikings have.
At the same time, defense has been a concern, especially after Pro Bowl pass rusher Danielle Hunter left in free agency this offseason. But Gagnon cites a couple of recent additions Minnesota has made to shore up that side of the football.
“And more recently, the Vikings have addressed a potentially weak secondary by signing veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore and swapping disappointing cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. for Nahshon Wright, who has had a slightly greater NFL impact than Booth despite failing to impress with the Cowboys,” Gagnon continued.
“Gilmore, 33, isn’t the player he once was, but he was still solid in coverage in 2023. His arrival comes not long after Minnesota also added experience at the same position group by signing Fabian Moreau and Bobby McCain.
“By no means are the Vikes suddenly a hot Super Bowl pick, but these somewhat under-the-radar tweaks could make a significant difference in a surprise season for a team that is only a year removed from a 13-win campaign.”
Gilmore was traded by the Indianapolis Colts to the Dallas Cowboys last offseason, and in 2023, he recorded 13 passes defended and two interceptions. The completion percentage and passer rating he allowed while in coverage last season were somewhat worse than in previous seasons, but he could have enough left in the tank for one more solid, productive year.
Darnold has a paltry completion rate of 59.7 percent and has thrown almost as many interceptions (56) as touchdowns (63). But there could be an argument to make that he has never been in a situation where he has had the talent around him to allow him to truly find his game.
If he finally blossoms, perhaps Minnesota will have a shot at getting back to the playoffs. Perhaps that could set it up for greater success next season if McCarthy proves to be a very competent NFL quarterback.
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