Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy faced an uphill battle during the team’s joint practices with the Patriots on Wednesday. The workout was marked by a mix of struggles and progress, as McCarthy navigated his first extended action against a different first-team defense.
Coach Kevin O’Connell described the two-day workout as a “checkpoint” for McCarthy, aiming to assess his ability to handle the opponent’s plays and maintain consistency throughout the game. The coach emphasized that while it was still practice, McCarthy needs to demonstrate his composure and leadership under pressure.
McCarthy started strong in one-on-one drills with six consecutive completions before facing an incomplete pass targeting Jordan Addison. He followed this up with a promising performance in 11-on-11 periods, showcasing improved composure despite holding onto the ball too long at times.
The two-minute drill was particularly notable, as McCarthy displayed his leadership skills and accuracy. Despite some minor setbacks, including a false start and two incompletions due to pressure, McCarthy’s overall performance left O’Connell and other coaches optimistic about his prospects for the season.
Source: https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-vikings-jj-mccarthy-drake-maye-new-england-patriots/601454710