It wasn’t always smooth sailing for McCarthy in training camp, as those same defensive players often tormented him, especially early on. But he showed nothing to make one question the investment the Vikings made in him.
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) works out with Carson Wentz (11) during practice on Wednesday. (Anthony Souffle/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
“He knows he’s definitely not gonna be alone out there from the standpoint of the coaching staff and myself right there with him, maybe me too much sometimes in his ear, being able to coach the quarterback system,” O’Connell said. “I know those 10 guys in the huddle, regardless of who’s in the game, those guys are excited for No. 9 to come in and call that first play.”
Running back Aaron Jones’ advice to McCarthy aligned with O’Connell’s read on how teammates are viewing his impending debut.
Jones, also a captain, said he reminded McCarthy the rest of the team’s job is “to make [his] job easier,” and to ask for help when he needs it, though Jones also said McCarthy is “ready for the moment.”
The moment is more than just McCarthy’s first game. It’s setting the table for a season where there are high expectations internally in primetime against a divisional opponent.
