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Vikings Back J.J. McCarthy as Starter With Locker-Room Praise and Calls for Consistency

The next test comes in Baltimore as Minnesota gauges the second-year quarterback's growth through a season-long evaluation.

Overview

  • Minnesota plans to ride with McCarthy for the remainder of the 2025 season barring injury, giving Kevin O’Connell a longer runway to evaluate him.
  • In Week 9 against Detroit, McCarthy went 14-of-25 for 143 yards with two touchdown passes, one interception and a rushing score, keeping the Vikings in the playoff mix.
  • Linebacker Blake Cashman lauded McCarthy on SiriusXM NFL Radio, calling him a killer, a winner and the ultimate competitor who commanded the offense.
  • Analysts continue to push for greater game-long consistency, with FOX’s Daryl Johnston stressing steadier play and FS1’s Colin Cowherd questioning production beyond scripted success.
  • McCarthy said he taps into an alter ego he calls “nine” and uses breathing and visualization to sustain intensity as the Vikings head into Week 10 at Baltimore.