(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings took Michigan National Champion J.J. McCarthy with the tenth overall pick in this year’s draft to serve as the successor to Kirk Cousins at quarterback, and even though it looks like Sam Darnold will serve as the bridge quarterback for the time being, McCarthy has done nothing but impress his new teammates and coaches since being selected.
One team veteran recently revealed what it is about McCarthy that has been so impressive thus far.
The Purple Persuasion shared a video on X of Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman speaking highly of his new quarterback during a recent appearance on The Green Light with Chris Long, saying “He’s a student of the game. Eager to learn. He’s eager to lead, which it doesn’t matter how old you are, I mean the kid’s 21, but if you’re going to be the quarterback, you have to be the face and leader of the football team. He understands that.”
High praise from Blake Cashman for #Vikings rookie QB JJ McCarthy.
“He’s a student of the game. Eager to learn. He’s eager to lead, which it doesn’t matter how old you are, I mean the kid’s 21, but if you’re going to be the quarterback, you have to be the face and leader of the… pic.twitter.com/UjfQy3nJ4B
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) July 20, 2024
McCarthy completed 72.3 percent of his passes at Michigan last season and threw for 2,991 yards and 22 touchdowns with just four interceptions after throwing another 22 TDs and just five picks the year before.
He threw the ball more than 30 times in a game just once last season, and if this offense is going to look anything like it did with Cousins at the helm, he’ll have to get comfortable slinging it a lot more at the NFL level.
He showed the talent and poise worthy of making him a top-ten pick, and Vikings fans should be excited about their new quarterback, just as Cashman is.
The post Vikings Veteran Reveals What’s Impressive About J.J. McCarthy appeared first on The Cold Wire.