NFL Insider Urges Vikings to Revert to J.J. McCarthy at QB: ‘They Need Him Back
As the Minnesota Vikings continue to struggle at quarterback, a prominent NFL insider has dropped a bold take, urging the team to go back to rookie J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback. The insider’s comments come amid growing concerns about the Vikings' inconsistent play at the position and their declining playoff hopes.
“The Vikings need to get McCarthy back in there,” the insider stated. “They’ve been searching for stability at quarterback all season, and he’s the future of this team. It’s time for them to give him the reins again and see what he can do for this offense moving forward.”
McCarthy, who started earlier in the season due to injuries and inconsistent performances from other quarterbacks, showed flashes of brilliance in his limited time under center. His athleticism, poise, and ability to make big plays were evident, but his development was halted after a series of questionable decisions from the coaching staff led to a shift in the starting role.
Since McCarthy's benching, the Vikings have cycled through various quarterbacks, including veteran Nick Mullens and the returning Kirk Cousins. However, their offense has continued to struggle, failing to generate consistent production and leaving fans frustrated.
“I understand the temptation to go with experience, but right now, the Vikings need to think about the future,” the NFL insider continued. “McCarthy gives them a dynamic element that the others just don’t have. His mobility and ability to make plays outside of the pocket could be what the Vikings need to get back on track.”
Despite the Vikings’ challenges, McCarthy’s potential is undeniable. The rookie quarterback impressed with his leadership and ability to connect with key playmakers like Justin Jefferson. While there were moments of inconsistency, McCarthy showed a level of promise that the team can build on, especially with a deep receiving corps and an explosive offense.
“Look, I get that he’s a rookie, and rookies go through growing pains. But the Vikings’ offense is stuck in neutral, and they need someone who can provide a spark,” the insider said. “McCarthy could be that guy. If they want to salvage their season, it’s time to turn the page and let him take over.”
For the Vikings, the decision to return to McCarthy at quarterback would signal a shift in their long-term vision. With the team’s playoff chances slipping, the move could also allow McCarthy to continue his development and gain valuable experience for the future.
While head coach Kevin O’Connell has yet to make a public statement about reintroducing McCarthy to the starting role, the growing chatter from insiders and fans alike suggests that the Vikings are at a crossroads. As they push to stay competitive in the NFC North, it might be time for Minnesota to hand McCarthy the reins once again and see if he can lead them back to prominence.
Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla Makes One Thing Clear After Shocking Rumors
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla made his stance clear when asked about offseason rumors linking him to the New York Knicks
“That never reached me. There is only one team that I want to coach: it’s the Boston Celtics,” Mazzulla said Tuesday, according to NBC Sports Boston
After parting ways with Tom Thibodeau despite New York’s first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years, the Knicks reportedly made discreet inquiries to determine if Mazzulla could be pried away from Boston.
“It has also been whispered that the Knicks likely did some backchannel exploration to determine if there was any pathway to pursue Boston’s Joe Mazzulla,” Stein wrote Monday. “There obviously was not … and then the Celtics extended Mazzulla’s contract in August.”
The Knicks ultimately hired two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown, but the rumor underscored how Mazzulla’s stock has skyrocketed after guiding the Celtics to the 2024 NBA Championship — their league-record 18th title.
“I’m going to be here for however long ownership and the city will have me,” Mazzulla said. “There is no other team that I’m coaching. It’s here, or I’m coaching my kid’s soccer team or something like that.”
Thibodeau Visits Celtics Practice, Offers Insights
The timing of Stein’s report coincided with a surprising guest appearance at Celtics practice — former Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, who spent time sharing film and strategic insights with the Boston staff.
“I think that was awesome having Thibs,” Celtics star Jaylen Brown told reporters. “Obviously, they eliminated us last year, so him being able to give us some of the thoughts that he saw in that series and some of the stuff they broke down in our personnel helps us grow and learn from that.”
According to Brown, Thibodeau dissected film with him, Jayson Tatum and Mazzulla, offering insight into how New York successfully defended Boston during key playoff moments.
“From a team perspective and from a top-down perspective — what he wanted to do with me and Jayson, what he wanted to do when the ball was in my hands — it allows you to grow if you’re humble enough to listen,” Brown added.
Mazzulla Welcomes Thibodeau’s Championship Pedigree
GettyFormer New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics.
For Mazzulla, the visit was more than just a film session. It was a homecoming of sorts for Thibodeau, who served as Doc Rivers’ defensive coordinator when the Celtics’ “Big Three” — Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen — delivered the franchise’s 17th championship in 2008.
“He won a championship here — just having him around makes me better, makes our organization better,” Mazzulla said. “It’s a lot of respect for him.”
Thibodeau’s return offered a full-circle moment between two coaches bonded by Boston’s defensive heritage and shared emphasis on accountability.
Boston’s Future Without Tatum, Holiday, and Porziņģis
While Mazzulla’s loyalty isn’t in question, his next challenge will test his coaching mettle. The Celtics face a pivotal season without Tatum (Achilles) and veterans
Mazzulla’s extension — finalized in August — signals Boston’s confidence in his leadership as the franchise transitions into a new era built around Brown and
The NBA champion coach has repeatedly cited his three guiding principles that keep him grounded amid outside noise.
“It’s faith, family and the Boston Celtics,” Mazzulla said firmly.
