The Minnesota Vikings got their first extended look at quarterback J.J. McCarthy during NFL‘s Monday Night Football.
The moment offered fans a glimpse of what the future might hold for their 2024 first-round pick’s mental makeup.
McCarthy’s debut didn’t demand perfection across all four quarters. It required resilience when things went sideways and the ability to bounce back when it mattered most.
His final numbers told only part of the story: 13 completions on 20 attempts for 143 yards, with most of his production coming in the final frame.
The performance caught the attention of analyst Colin Cowherd, who drew comparisons between McCarthy and a familiar quarterback known for his comeback ability, Baker Mayfield.
“I have found my J.J. McCarthy comp. It’s Baker Mayfield – plays at a college power, tons of emotion, a lot of energy. I wish they were bigger, but all they have to do, Baker and J.J. McCarthy, can go into slumps and get reckless, but if they make one big throw, and they gain that confidence, their velocity and their accuracy changes,” Cowherd explained.
"I have found my J.J. McCarthy comp: It's Baker Mayfield."@colincowherd likes how the Vikings QB bounced back after a shaky start in Chicago pic.twitter.com/WgzKL5Tzq1
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) September 9, 2025
The comparison makes sense when considering how both quarterbacks respond to adversity.
After throwing a brutal pick-six early in the game, McCarthy struggled through three quarters of tentative play.
Then something clicked during a fourth-quarter connection with Justin Jefferson that seemed to unlock a different version of the rookie quarterback.
That single moment transformed his entire approach.
His command of the offense became more apparent with each subsequent snap.
Kevin O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown deserve credit for creating an environment where McCarthy could develop without crushing pressure.
They managed his opportunities wisely, allowing natural progression rather than forcing situations.
McCarthy had every reason to fold after the early interception.
Instead, he rallied to account for three touchdowns and delivered the victory.
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