Kay Adams explained why the Minnesota Vikings put themselves under pressure after ruling themselves out of the Aaron Rodgers race. A couple of months ago, the NFC North franchise was mentioned alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants as potential landing spots for the four-time NFL MVP.
The Vikings decided to start their project with J.J. McCarthy, who missed the entire 2024 season due to an injury and left the door open for Sam Darnold to step in and record the best season of his career, taking the Vikings to a 14-3 record (the first team in history with a that many wins that didn't clinch a division title).
Adding a player of Rodgers's caliber could have worked out for the Vikings, too, but they decided to give the keys to the car to McCarthy instead.
Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after throwing an interception against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after throwing an interception against the Minnesota Vikings
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
During a Wednesday conversation on her "Up & Adams" show, the veteran analyst said the pressure is on the Vikings now after refusing to bring in Rodgers.
"When you're not bringing in Aaron Rodgers, who will likely take this team farther way than it's built, because there are no holes in it--brilliantly built and has all the talent in the prime of the biggest superstar in the NFL, Justin Jefferson," Adams said. "If you don't go out and get Aaron, then you better win it with J.J."
She noted that McCarthy is expected to deliver fast, given that he's the franchise guy from this campaign.
"The roster's ready to go, they got a rebuilt O-line, aggressive play-making defense," Adams said. "Sam takes you to 14; is J.J. an upgrade on Sam Darnold? Yes. We're talking big games. They clearly think J.J., without playing a snap in the NFL, is going to take them where they need to go."
Adams responded to fans who said that the Vikings' history would prevent them from lifting a Vince Lombardi trophy soon. She said that McCarthy had already faced a similar situation in Ann Arbor in 2023, which ended up with McCarthy winning the first national title with the Michigan Wolverines since 1997.
The Vikings have played in four Super Bowls, winning all of them. They have a solid team that makes fans dream about their immediate future. If McCarthy becomes the force they expect him to be, then Minnesota will have a solid shot at winning a Vince Lombardi trophy.