Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up through BetMGM. 21+ only. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The Minnesota Vikings are going through the full new quarterback experience. J.J. McCarthy has looked sharp at times and not ready at others in his first season as an NFL starter.
Fortunately, he has a superstar wide receiver he can rely on. Following their Week 10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, McCarthy had high praise for Justin Jefferson.
“I have the greatest receiver in the world, so I don’t care who it is out there. I’m going to give him a chance. 10 times out of 10, I’m going to give him a shot,” McCarthy said.
“I have the greatest receiver in the world” – J.J. McCarthy on Justin Jefferson pic.twitter.com/NAqwTTrlJD
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 9, 2025
McCarthy failed to build on an impressive Week 9 performance against the Detroit Lions. Against Baltimore, he completed 20 of 42 passes for 248 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
That led to an uneven game by Jefferson. Despite 12 targets, he was able to make four receptions for 37 yards, as several of those passes weren’t necessarily catchable.
Jalen Nailor led the Vikings with five catches for 124 receiving yards and one touchdown. Yet, he was third in targets behind Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
McCarthy is a young QB who’s learning the ropes of the NFL. There will be some growing pains along the way, and the Vikings have to stick with him through thick and thin.
Even so, he needs to do a much better job of not giving plays away before the snap and going through his progressions. Otherwise, he’s going to keep making life difficult for his receivers, no matter how good they may be.
NEXT: J.J. McCarthy Made NFL History After First 3 Career Games