J.J. McCarthy’s ascension as the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback in 2025 has ignited discussions about his potential to elevate the team’s offense beyond the heights achieved during Sam Darnold’s impressive 2024 season.
Sam Darnold’s 2024 Performance
In 2024, Sam Darnold delivered a career-best performance, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, leading the Vikings to a 12–2 record and a playoff berth . His success was attributed to his fit within head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system, which leveraged Darnold’s strengths and provided him with a robust supporting cast.
J.J. McCarthy’s Potential Impact
Despite Darnold’s achievements, the Vikings view J.J. McCarthy as a quarterback with the potential to further enhance the offense. McCarthy’s collegiate career at the University of Michigan was marked by a 27–1 record as a starter, culminating in a national championship in 2023 . His dual-threat capabilities and leadership qualities have been highlighted as assets that could bring a new dynamic to the Vikings’ offense.
Analysts have noted that McCarthy’s athleticism and arm strength may offer more versatility compared to Darnold. A Reddit user commented, “If KOC can do what he did with Darnold, there’s absolutely no reason he can’t do the same with JJ, who by the way has a better arm and is a much better athlete than Sam” .
Coaching Confidence and Future Outlook
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has expressed optimism about McCarthy’s development, emphasizing the importance of increased reps during the offseason and training camp . The Vikings’ commitment to McCarthy is further evidenced by their offseason moves, including the selection of offensive guard Donovan Jackson in the 2025 NFL Draft to bolster the offensive line and support McCarthy’s transition to the starting role .
While Darnold’s tenure with the Vikings was marked by significant success, the organization believes that McCarthy’s skill set and potential align with their long-term vision for the team’s offense. As McCarthy steps into the starting role, the Vikings anticipate that his leadership and playmaking abilities will usher in a new era of offensive pro
