Incredible mental fortitude by the youngest QB in the league starting in his first NFL game (and playing in his first game since the NCAA title game). Definitely wasn’t perfect, but you can’t help but love the grit from JJ to battle back after that pick 6 and steal a game in Soldier. I’ve seen plenty of great Vikings QBs struggle in Chicago. The look in his eyes that 2nd half was different. Darnold or even Kirko crumble in that situation. Incredible adjustments from KOC tonight too. Get Darrisaw back next week, Addison in week 4, and keep building confidence in JJ and we roll.
***2026 Minnesota Vikings***
- Thread starter Marcelason78
- Start date
Dude is already leaving us to go to the military
Also, we might’ve found a punt returner. Myles Price was electric back there tonight
No, no, no. Don't overthink this. This is insurance incase McCarthy should go down, they'll have an experienced QB to step in.
And, if McCarthy dsupport to? hurt...he's a good mentor to provide knowledge and support. That's it.
In the first half JJM seemed to be aiming the ball instead of just squaring up and throwing. I'm guessing he had opening day yips in the first half as there is a lot of pressure on him to succeed. Hopefully that 4th quarter comeback gives him confidence in his abilities. I think he was 8 of 11 after that pick 6
He played 12 snaps in the preseason. Maybe that would’ve helped a little cleaner start. But like usual, we just need to trust KOC.
The Vikings were wildly unprepared on offense last night. That is 100% KOC fault. If they had played any other team in the NFL with a pulse, they would gotten their doors blown off. The Vikings offense was still on offseason form. Good thing the defense kept them in the game.
first half had me worrying that Carson Wentz would be the starting qb in a few weeks. I decided to turn on the Manning cast right before Randy Moss joined. Got the joy of hearing from my childhood favorite Viking while watching the Vikes score 3 TDs to win. I was shocked how fast JJ was on his running TD. Great win in Chicago it always felt we lost there.
New coach, new season, same old Bears lol.
Impressed most of all by JJ's poise, optimism and leadership, which was stark apparent contrasted to that qb on the other sideline
Impressed most of all by JJ's poise, optimism and leadership, which was stark apparent contrasted to that qb on the other sideline
I think the game was just moving too fast for McCarthy in the first half. And let's be honest, the kid is just 22 years old. For comparison, Rocco was born 11 months after McCarthy. I certainly was not expecting a polished performance. But the 4th quarter gave us a glimpse of what McCarthy can look like on a consistent basis.
I wouldn't say unprepared. Can't be easy game planning for a 22 year old (essentially a rookie) playing his first football game in over 20 months on the road at a divisional rival with a new DC and new defensive scheme. The adjustments KOC made in the 2nd half were incredible. I do wish the starters played more preseason snaps, but got the W regardless. Onto the Falcons
JJ was far better in the 2nd half. In the first half, the Christmas Story scene came to my mind with the Vikings offense:
That's why you play him more in the pre-season, so his first reps ever in the NFL aren't against a division rival, on the road, on Monday Night Football. It all worked out, mostly because the defense was incredible and somehow kept them in it for three quarters.
Agree. As Aikman said repeatedly, the play clock was an issue for him and I think he felt a need to change the play call a little too much. KOC will be able coach him up on this aspect of JJ‘s first game decisions.
You can't tell me that taking in all the factors (first game since Michigan championship, away game, division rival, playing against his favorite childhood team, etc.) that JJM's heart, stomach, and intestines weren't in his throat on that first drive...maybe the entire first half.
I dunno if he received any words of encouragement from his coaches or teammates, or he just started to lock back in, but he was a totally different QB in the second half.
I'm encouraged by seeing his improvememt throughout the game, and relieved to get that first game finsihed with a W.
I dunno if he received any words of encouragement from his coaches or teammates, or he just started to lock back in, but he was a totally different QB in the second half.
I'm encouraged by seeing his improvememt throughout the game, and relieved to get that first game finsihed with a W.
Agree with all of this.... BUT KOC did not prepare him well enough. That is 100% on KOC.
Duante Culpepper went through the same thing but fared much better in his debut.
How do you know this? Because you say so? Preseason snaps are nothing compared to an actual meaningful game, on the road at a division rival for your first game. If he would’ve played more in the preseason and still looked like the first half, then what? It’s literally one game, one half actually, of football. KOC has a great history with quarterbacks, so maybe we give him the benefit here?
Oh, I will definitely give the kid time to develop. Also agree that KOC is a good QB coach. Not playing him more in the preseason was a mistake IMO. The speed of the game clearly affected JJ and it showed big time. I just think JJ could have been a little better in the 1st 3 quarters but it is what it is. Good that he faced the Bears and not someone else. First game now over. Time to see how he fares on the national stage at the night home game now. Guessing he will look better. 1st years QBs in the NFL face a lot of pressure.... and they generally do not kill it. Even Payton Manning struggled hugely as a rookie.
