Vikings need rookie QB J.J. McCarthy to start pushing Sam Darnold in preseason opener

Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy must seize his opportunity in Minnesota's preseason opener to catch up to Sam Darnold and win the starting quarterback battle.

On Thursday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell told the media Darnold will start on Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders before McCarthy receives ample playing time.

It's not surprising that Darnold is getting the starting nod. ESPN's Kevin Seifert reported that Darnold has received all but two first-team reps in 11-on-11 drills in the third week of training camp. The other two went to McCarthy.

Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson recently indicated that Darnold is better at throwing with touch, giving him an upper hand.

"They're both different types of quarterbacks," Jefferson told reporters. "Sam is more of a vet quarterback, he likes to put touch on the ball here and there, he knows what speed he needs to throw the ball and how he needs to throw the ball. J.J.'s still young and just wants to rip it all the time. (He) has that strong arm and wants to get it there."

However, McCarthy could make up ground if he plays well against the Raiders.

"Darnold has little on his resume to suggest he can be an average starter, so the bar isn't high for J.J. McCarthy to clear," wrote the 33rd Team's Ian Valentino. "The 10th overall pick just needs to execute the offense as he did at Michigan."

Former No. 3 overall pick Darnold has split time over six seasons with the Jets, Panthers and 49ers, posting a 21-35 regular-season starting record. An offensive guru, like O'Connell, may help him improve, but the 27-year-old probably isn't the answer.

Plus, the Vikings didn't take McCarthy with the 10th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft to ride the bench. They need him to challenge Darnold more and prove he's the franchise's future.