Kirk Herbstreit Drops True Feelings on Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been under the pressure spotlight for his play since returning from injury. The Vikings’ young signal-caller has shown flashes of being a potential franchise quarterback and moments where he looks overwhelmed.
For Minnesota, the question will be how to leverage the good traits McCarthy possesses, such as the late-game touchdown drive in the Week 11 loss to the Chicago Bears, and make them consistent over four quarters.
Nonetheless, the Vikings are getting hot takes that it’s time to move on from McCarthy and bring in a new quarterback who can take advantage of a Minnesota offense that’s ready to win now. However, ESPN and Amazon Prime NFL analyst Kirk Herbstreit isn’t one of them.
“I just think it’s very premature whether it’s a guy like J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix or whoever it might be to look at them and evaluate them and make a declaration that this guy’s trash or doesn’t have what it takes,”
“I know there are people out there [who believe this] because we are a world of consuming sports, especially
“If this week he goes out and performs, people might say, ‘Oh, he figured it out this week.’ It’s not like that. I think the injury last year set him back. Just getting reps, just being around, even this year, there were times when he wasn’t able to get many reps, Monday through Friday. That slows down your development.”
Vikings Teammates Are Showing Support for J.J. McCarthy
While some national NFL media members are questioning McCarthy’s ability to be a starting quarterback, the veterans on Minnesota’s offense aren’t giving up on the Michigan product.
Amid the Vikings’ two-game losing streak and his own struggles, McCarthy said leaders like Justin Jefferson are willing to go the extra mile to help him through these issues and overcome this adversity.
“They’ve been awesome,“ McCarthy said about his pass-catchers while talking to reporters on November 19. “I can’t thank them enough for the patience level and the leadership out of every person in that group, them pushing me every single day to be the best version of myself and doing it in ways that a lot of people don’t see. So, you know, I just love them with all my heart and [ I am] so grateful for every single one of those boys.”
J.J. McCarthy Looks to Improve Justin Jefferson Connection
McCarthy highlighted the extra work he and Jefferson are doing outside of practice to deepen their on-field connection. The Vikings see both as central to their future and are focused on building a bond that extends beyond games and training.
“I would say it’s just more time hanging out,“ McCarthy added when asked about how he and Jefferson are looking to improve their connection. “Getting to know each other off the field is always something that is of extreme importance, but the communication obviously matters.
“We’ve been together for two years now, and I feel like we have a really great relationship to be honest with each other and not let emotions and egos get in the way. Let’s solve this problem. Let’s fix the solution instead of hurting ourselves trying to protect feelings.”
Bears insider provides update on Jaquan Brisker's future in Chicago
The Chicago Bears aren't too worried about the offseason just yet, considering they've been one of the better teams in the NFL and are currently in first place in the tough NFC North at 7-3, but there will be some tough decisions to make when the time comes.
Among the decisions the Bears have to consider, Jaquan Brisker, the star safety, could be at the top of that list.
While Brisker has played well throughout his career, it's also fair to remember some of the injuries that he's dealt with, including playing in just five games during the 2024 season.
According to the latest from Brad Briggs of the Chicago Tribune, Brisker is currently the one player from the 2022 draft class who could be in a tough spot to get another deal because of his injuries.
“Four picks from the 2022 draft will be coming out of contract: Safety Jaquan Brisker, left tackle Braxton Jones, defensive end Dominique Robinson and safety Elijah Hicks,” Biggs wrote.
“Given Brisker’s history of concussions, my guess is the Bears will look to rebuild at safety and consider re-signing Kevin Byard III, who leads the NFL with five interceptions. Maybe they like the idea of Robinson and/or Hicks returning on a modest one-year contract. As far as the other 2023 picks, they’ll probably be back in a position where they have to compete for a spot in 2026 in the final year of their contracts.”
Why letting Brisker walk might be a bad plan
Allowing Brisker to walk might not be the best idea, but if the Bears feel confident in bringing in someone who could make an impact for them at the position, it also wouldn't be the worst idea because of his injuries.
However, if they could land him on a relatively cheap deal, it's probably something to consider.
