Overview
- J.J. McCarthy returned from a high ankle sprain to start in Week 9 and guided a 27-24 road win over the Lions, going 14-of-25 for 143 yards with two passing touchdowns, one rushing score and one interception while taking five sacks.
- Head coach Kevin O’Connell praised McCarthy’s pre-snap processing with a “high-level chef” analogy, and Tom Brady lauded his decision-making and operation on the FOX broadcast.
- McCarthy said his intense gameday persona, which he calls “Nine,” stems from frustration over missing most of his first two seasons and is energy he now tries to harness.
- O’Connell said the front office made calls before the NFL trade deadline, but the Vikings completed no deals and move forward with McCarthy, rookie backup Max Brosmer and practice-squad veteran John Wolford.
- Analysts cautioned that much of McCarthy’s success came on scripted drives and noted off-script inconsistency, as Baltimore prepares to face him with coach John Harbaugh highlighting his danger as a runner and on-the-move passer.