Pretty evident yesterday that all the talk about overhauling his mechanics that he'd been dealing with all season was part of the problem for JJ.
KOC and the Vikings made a big deal all week about how they wanted him to just go out and play football, read the defense and react to what he sees and make the throws and not worry about the mechanical aspects. He played significantly faster yesterday, was getting the ball out on time and accurately. He finished 16/23 and I think at least 3 of the incompletions were balls that hit Addison directly in the hands (seriously it feels like Addison has dropped 2 passes/game the entire season even though the "Drops" stat tracker has him with like 5 all season).
Washington's defense is not good but 1) that hasn't stopped the Vikings offense from looking like crap all season and 2) the Vikings offense was more balanced (maybe even run-heavy?) than any time I can remember in KOC's tenure.
We've been begging for it all season - when the running game is going well, run the damn ball. The Vikings this season going into yesterday had the 11th best YPC in franchise history and like the fewest rush attempts/game in franchise history. Jones and Mason have been getting good yardage and KOC has REFUSED to ride them to help protect our young QB and injured OL. Yesterday they averaged over 5ypc and KOC continued to feed the running game finally. Jones had 14 carries, Mason had 11, Scott had 3-4 (in garbage time). Multiple times on 3rd and short they just turned and handed it off and lo and behold it worked.
Felt like KOC's "dumbed down" offense for the game yesterday was basically just him doing what has worked in the NFL for years and years. Quick rhythm passing and running the ball well. It's how, IMO, the offense should have been called all season to help get a young QB into the groove of the NFL rather than have him try to focus on overhauling his mechanics AND read through an extremely complex offense in a "pure progression" which was criticized both by Tom Brady and Kurt Warner over the last few weeks (Kurt Warner did a really cool breakdown of McCarthy's issues vs Green Bay, it's a longer watch but it's very interesting to see how he breaks it down - https://twitter.com/kurt13warner/status/1993068568226021777?s=20 )
Obviously JJ McCarthy still has work to do but yesterday was a good sign. It wasn't just 1 drive or 2 drives that he played well. It was every drive.
So next weekend at Dallas who thinks 2 in a row? Doesn’t the Cowboys have a terrible defense?
Aloha!
So next weekend at Dallas who thinks 2 in a row? Doesn’t the Cowboys have a terrible defense?
I wouldn't say their defense is terrible, but Dallas is very beatable. The outcome depends on which teams show up.
For Dallas, is it the team that beat the Eagles and tied the Pukers, or is it the team that lost to Arizona and Carolina?
For Minnesota, is it the team that beat the Bears and the Lions on the road, or is it the team that scored a combined 6 points in back-to-back losses to the Pukers and Seattle?
Tact is the ability to step on a man's toes without messing up the shine on his shoes - Harry S Truman
The million dollar question is .. what do Vikings fans want this team to do? Do they want them to go on a run and end up 9-8 or 8-9? Do they want them to lose competitive games and get a better draft pick?
I would be happy if they play the rest of the games competitively,(being within a touchdown) and allowing McCarthy to grow and really see what they have at QB. The worst place in sports is in the middle. I would prefer they get a better draft pick and go from there. In the NFL, you can rebound fairly quickly and be back in the playoffs next year. The Wild have had similar issues. Good enough to make the playoffs, but not good enough to move on. I know it is tough to shell out the money for tix to see them lose, but sometimes a 1 year reset is for the best.
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
The million dollar question is .. what do Vikings fans want this team to do? Do they want them to go on a run and end up 9-8 or 8-9? Do they want them to lose competitive games and get a better draft pick?
I've never been on to have a team tank a game or a season for draft picks.
So next weekend at Dallas who thinks 2 in a row? Doesn’t the Cowboys have a terrible defense?
Terrible defense, incredible offense. IMO, Van Ginkle and Hit Man Harrison are the keys, and we've seen that this season when they were not playing/limited playing. If MN can shut DAL offense down, or at least limit them, MN has a chance.
I will say, that one MN offensive drive that was 18-19 plays whatever long, that right there sealed the game. That was amazing. Even if they DIDN'T score, the 12+ minutes kept WASH off the field. They do that with DAL? Game over.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
So next weekend at Dallas who thinks 2 in a row? Doesn’t the Cowboys have a terrible defense?
Terrible defense, incredible offense. IMO, Van Ginkle and Hit Man Harrison are the keys, and we've seen that this season when they were not playing/limited playing. If MN can shut DAL offense down, or at least limit them, MN has a chance.
I will say, that one MN offensive drive that was 18-19 plays whatever long, that right there sealed the game. That was amazing. Even if they DIDN'T score, the 12+ minutes kept WASH off the field. They do that with DAL? Game over.
Since DAL traded with NYJ for a DT their run defense has been much better, still not great against the pass
The million dollar question is .. what do Vikings fans want this team to do? Do they want them to go on a run and end up 9-8 or 8-9? Do they want them to lose competitive games and get a better draft pick?
I would be happy if they play the rest of the games competitively,(being within a touchdown) and allowing McCarthy to grow and really see what they have at QB. The worst place in sports is in the middle. I would prefer they get a better draft pick and go from there. In the NFL, you can rebound fairly quickly and be back in the playoffs next year. The Wild have had similar issues. Good enough to make the playoffs, but not good enough to move on. I know it is tough to shell out the money for tix to see them lose, but sometimes a 1 year reset is for the best.
For me, JJ McCarthy's development is far more important than going from #11 in the draft (where we are currently slotted) to like #8 (where we'd most likely be if we lose out, there are 8 teams with 3 wins or fewer currently though I think a couple of them have "winnable games" - I know the Saints play the Jets, Titans, and Falcons which in theory could move them to 6-11 if they win all 3, plus Cincy and Atlanta at 4-9). I don't realistically see any of the 3-10 teams or 2-11 teams getting beyond 6 wins which is what the Vikings would need to jump up in the draft order. Our best bet would be the Bengals winning out (possible but not probable) for the Vikings to move up.
I'd rather see the team win 2-3 more games--especially the Detroit and Green Bay games, see legitimate improvements from McCarthy and maybe draft like 14-15 (the Vikings are the only 5-8 team in the league currently, 3 teams are 6-7 and Dallas is 6-6-1) than see the team lose out if it means McCarthy doesn't get that improvement and progression in his game, and the confidence growth between him and his teammates.
The best of both worlds, where JJ plays extremely well and we somehow lose anyways, doesn't seem very likely with how well the Vikings defense is playing.
lololol Vikings....not quite the Butt Fumble, but wow.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
lololol Vikings....not quite the Butt Fumble, but wow.
That INT doesn’t even register in the top 20 of horrible things this year.
I beg to differ, sir, he tried to knock it down and it went exactly (and comedically) the wrong way. It's not the INT itself, it's how it happened.lololol Vikings....not quite the Butt Fumble, but wow.
That INT doesn’t even register in the top 20 of horrible things this year.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Since the first play tipped INT
McCarthy is 5 of 7, 117 passing yards, 1 TD pass, 1 TD run and has done it with no running game
Mason and Jones have 9 carries for a total of 17 yards
That was a hell of a fake.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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If anything, this should be some wild football. And the more I see JJMC's face, the more I associate him with that snotty 80s high school bad guy that is "good" on the surface, but he's really an a-hole. I know he's not, he just looks like that. 
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
If anything, this should be some wild football. And the more I see JJMC's face, the more I associate him with that snotty 80s high school bad guy that is "good" on the surface, but he's really an a-hole. I know he's not, he just looks like that.
Spot on, the bad guy in every John Hughes film.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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(parsed)If anything, this should be some wild football. And the more I see JJMC's face, the more I associate him with that snotty 80s high school bad guy that is "good" on the surface, but he's really an a-hole. I know he's not, he just looks like that.
Spot on, the bad guy in every John Hughes film.
See, all these movies take place in this small town called Shermer in Illinois. But you know what the f* we found out when we got there? There IS no Shermer in Illinois. Movies are fuckin' bullsh*. /Dogma
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Vikings last 5 possessions
TD, TD, 29 yard FG, punt, TD
McCarthy would have had his 2nd TD pass (3rd TD overall - TD run) but Jefferson dropped a TD that hit him in the hands. Instead, CJ Ham scores on a TD run.
I know DAL D isn't great, but that is fine for JJMC to build up some confidence, and HOLY CRAP THROW/CATCH with Hawk just now.
Maybe time is all JJ needs.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
JJ to Nailer for their second TD connection tonight.
Do people still think the Vikings had McCarthy fake a concussion so they could play Max Brosmer over him?
Obviously, McCarthy has had quite a few bad moments this season but his ability is way higher than Max.
Separate issues in that post. I think Max has potential, not as a superstar QB, but a journeyman, a plug-in. I think he is better than what he showed in his reg season debut.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Would be his 3rd victory on the road against a favored opponent if they hold on? Despite a non-existent running game and the defense giving up nearly 400 yards. I hope people keep talking smack about 9.
Not saying he didn't have reason for criticism but writing him off completely?
WILL the TRILL calls game from 53!!!!!
The number one thing I like about McCarthy is his moxie. He has played better on the road this season. Normally young QBs struggle on the road but he loves playing on the road.
The number one thing I like about McCarthy is his moxie. He has played better on the road this season. Normally young QBs struggle on the road but he loves playing on the road.
KFAN talked about that factor with the Wolves fairly recently. At home, you hang with friends, fam, not necessarily focused. On the road, you might have less distractions, more focused on the task at hand.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Dallas Cowboys now have only a 1% chance of making the playoffs.
JJ to Nailer for their second TD connection tonight.
Do people still think the Vikings had McCarthy fake a concussion so they could play Max Brosmer over him?
Obviously, McCarthy has had quite a few bad moments this season but his ability is way higher than Max.
All I can say is that I am happy the Brosmer game happened so we don't have to listen to people calling for Max whenever McCarthy has a bad game. The itch was scratched and now we move on.
And whatever the Vikings did the last two games to stop looking like crappy middle schooler, I appreciate it. Now we just need healthy players and JJ to catch the ball when it hits his hands. Even if the Vikings are out of the playoffs I want them to be Detroit and GB and McCarthy to gain experience and confidence.
First 8 starts
JJ McCarthy 4-4, 117/206 56.8%, 1,342 Yds, 11 TD, 11 INT, 24 Sacks, 3 Rush TD
Josh Allen 3-5, 113/212 53.3%, 1,355 Yds. 5 TD, 9 INT, 23 Sacks, 5 Rush TD
https://twitter.com/vikingzfanpage/status/2001042316895654147
This is Donovan Jackson's parents. The rookie LG out of Ohio State has been playing well. I love the "Get that syrup out". I am going to steal that when I see a pancake on the field. 🤣
On the Vikings first possession Jordan Addison drops a 25 yard touchdown on 3rd down. McCarthy's numbers would look a lot better if his teammates would stop dropping so many passes.
Second Vikings possession Jalen Nailor drops a pass deflecting it for an interception.
How big of a MORON is KOC to slo roll that play call, then call a screen pass. And AWFUL decision making by McCarthy to hold ball & get strip sacked for a fumble recovery scoop & score. Stupid is as Stupid does! Embarrassing! 🏈🤬
With the Wild on 12-0-2 streak I barely pay attention to the Vikings at this point, but c’mon, that’s not professional level HC or QB play!
Oh boy
https://twitter.com/DaneMizutani/status/2002826849597214726
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
There’s no way to sugarcoat it…from Coach of the Year in 2024 to an absolutely BRUTAL YEAR of coaching exhibited by KOC in 2025 !
And AWFUL decision making by McCarthy to hold ball & get strip sacked for a fumble recovery scoop & score.
JJ made Cousins' pocket awareness look elite by comparison on that play.
Vikings receivers haved sucked today but JJ's throws have also been off. They're catchable but most of his throws require receivers to reach back, jump, dive, or slow down.
I was hoping fate would give the Vikings an opportunity to end the Packers' season, but if McCarthy is out, that won't happen.
So will they draft another QB next season or make another trade for a experienced QB?
Aloha!
So will they draft another QB next season or make another trade for a experienced QB?
Why would they do either? JJ is fine despite some terrible analysis. The Vikings OL was never once consistent from one game to the next and has been garbage for pass protection.
While giving up (already) on the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft is simply un-warranted at this juncture…if McCarthy can’t play the last two games due to another injury, his lack of durability these past two seasons is a clear RED FLAG.So will they draft another QB next season or make another trade for a experienced QB?
Why would they do either? JJ is fine despite some terrible analysis. The Vikings OL was never once consistent from one game to the next and has been garbage for pass protection.
So will they draft another QB next season or make another trade for a experienced QB?
Why would they do either? JJ is fine despite some terrible analysis. The Vikings OL was never once consistent from one game to the next and has been garbage for pass protection.
He can’t stay on the field. I think it’s terrible analysis to assume they won’t have a backup plan in case he gets injured every other game again next year.
So will they draft another QB next season or make another trade for a experienced QB?
Why would they do either? JJ is fine despite some terrible analysis. The Vikings OL was never once consistent from one game to the next and has been garbage for pass protection.
He can’t stay on the field. I think it’s terrible analysis to assume they won’t have a backup plan in case he gets injured every other game again next year.
MCcarthy 1st season lost to injury, this season he has had 3 injuries
Aloha!
My take on McCarthy is that he’s good in clutch situations. He has a strong throwing arm. He can scramble & has courage running the ball when necessary, especially near the goal line taking a hit to get in the end zone. BUT, he’s skinny & needs to add muscle in the offseason. And he has a LONG WAY to go reading defenses & then making quick, smart decisions & executing plays. My BIGGEST concern with him though…is his demonstrated lack of DURABILITY throughout his 2 yrs in the NFL. That must change or he’s not going to be much use to the Purple going forward.
To me, McCarthy seems like a lot of promise that will never quite work out.
Last week when he did the giddy into the end zone was a huge red flag to me. Not because he did it but because the coaches told him NOT to do it and he did it anyway.
The dude is struggling right now and should be listening to his coaches to do anything he can to get better. I just am not sure he is as committed to football as others. He strikes me as a talented guy that never got challenged to work hard amd now he doesn’t know how.
It is probably too early in his career to cut bait unless you are close to him and see the same thing (or other things that you don't like). Only the coaches can make that call.
I hope I am wrong because I am not sure what the Vikings do if it doesn’t work out. Probably another old QB to get them in the playoffs but not all the way.
Durability is a concern. If it's a broken whatever, I don't care. You can't help that (looking at the big picuture). If it's a pulled/sprained/strained? There is an issue to be discussed.
Today's INTS? Technically he only had one, but IIRC there were three? (was also watching the Bills game) And two of those were on the WRs.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
So will they draft another QB next season or make another trade for a experienced QB?
Why would they do either? JJ is fine despite some terrible analysis. The Vikings OL was never once consistent from one game to the next and has been garbage for pass protection.
He can’t stay on the field. I think it’s terrible analysis to assume they won’t have a backup plan in case he gets injured every other game again next year.
They'll have a backup plan - not to replace JJ but to have a better backup than Brosmer.
I also don't think he's 'injury prone'. afaik he never missed a game in college and it's not a if the B1G nor any of the other top Div 1 teams they played lacked future NFL players on defense.
@gopheritall He strikes me as a talented guy that never got challenged to work hard and now he doesn’t know how.
I find this statement comical. I don’t care what professional sport; football, basketball, hockey, ping pong for cripes sake. They’ve spent their whole lives working harder than you can dream of.
Dorothy: Who’s that?
Scarecrow: A man with an axe and a can of lube. I’ll ask if he wants to join us.
The Jets, Saints and Vikings were the only teams without a Pro Bowl representative 😅
That’s the definition of a BUST YEAR!
Combination of factors, Jefferson cud be picked on reputation but his numbers are way down. The D guys who made it last year all were out several games with injuries in 2025. I’m sure Jefferson is feeling kinda butt hurt…but his frustration should be directed on Kwesi & KOC!
Kwesi should be FIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aloha!
Then Ryan Grigson should be fired too. Before Grigson was promoted to assistant GM this spring he was the Vikings Senior Vice President in charge of player personal.
The Vikings are 7-8
McCarthy 5-4
Wentz 2-3
Bosmer 0-1
They have a winning record in games played by basically a rookie QB even with their starting offensive line playing a total of 85 snaps together this season.
MCcarthy out with broken hand
Aloha!