Kevin Seifert
Multiple Authors
MINNEAPOLIS — Quarterback J.J. McCarthy would have performed longer Saturday if he had not gotten “banged up” throughout a tough first quarter in the Minnesota Vikings‘ 13-3 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned.
McCarthy performed 18 snaps over 4 sequence in the primary quarter, however O’Connell mentioned he had hoped to ship him out for no less than another possession. McCarthy had struggled together with his accuracy whereas additionally absorbing three hits and one sack. On his last play, he rose slowly from the bottom after 4 Ravens defenders converged on him in the pocket.
“Maybe one more drive would have been great to get him based upon where he was at snap-count-wise. But once he was a little hobbled there … I’m sure I’ll have an update for you, but he seemed to be fine.”
O’Connell didn’t reveal a particular harm, however the revelation was notable given McCarthy’s lengthy historical past of accidents because the Vikings chosen him with the No. 10 decide of the 2024 draft. He missed his whole rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his proper knee, after which missed seven video games final season due to a excessive proper ankle sprain and a concussion. He was additionally restricted by a hairline fracture in his proper hand.
McCarthy’s first move Saturday flew over the pinnacle of receiver Myles Price, who was open on the sideline. Later, McCarthy’s 50-yard move to receiver Tai Felton gave the Vikings a primary down on the Ravens’ 10-yard line, however McCarthy then overthrew Felton and Price in the top zone on second and fourth downs, respectively, because the Vikings failed to attain.
“Those are just throws I’ve got to make,” mentioned McCarthy, who accomplished 5 of 10 passes for 81 yards. “[Coaches] called great plays, but at the end of the day, know I can make those throws. And it’s great to have that experience logged in and that data logged in to be able to make that throw next time.”
Asked if he felt sped up earlier than the overthrows, McCarthy mentioned: “I wouldn’t say I felt sped up. It’s just sometimes you hit them, sometimes you miss. And it’s … what preseason’s all about. You get it out now and log that feeling, like I said, and make sure you hit it the next time.”
O’Connell mentioned final week that McCarthy was the Vikings’ No. 2 quarterback behind Kyler Murray and forward of Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer. But O’Connell additionally mentioned he wished the place to be aggressive, organising an vital last week of coaching camp forward of Friday’s preseason recreation on the Denver Broncos.
Asked if he imagined he could be sidelined in any respect in apply this week, McCarthy mentioned: “I don’t imagine that at all. Just a little banged up, and it’s football.”