Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell worked one-on-one with quarterback J.J. McCarthy during a joint practice with the New England Patriots, aiming to boost his quarterback’s confidence. On Thursday, O’Connell devised a mini game plan that helped McCarthy complete 13 consecutive passes without an interception, showcasing the young quarterback’s growing skills.
McCarthy, the No. 10 pick of the 2024 draft, had struggled with consistency and accuracy in previous sessions. However, on Thursday, he demonstrated significant improvement, completing six touchdowns in the red zone and finishing the session on a high note. O’Connell praised McCarthy’s performance, noting that it felt decisive and showcased incredible conviction in his decision-making.
Teammates have long praised McCarthy for his intangible attributes, including his presence in the pocket, confident play-calling, and ability to raise energy during competitive drills. However, concerns about his ability to make throws remained unanswered until Thursday. With O’Connell’s guidance, McCarthy provided strong evidence that he can excel as an NFL starter.
In an effort to moderate McCarthy’s perfectionist personality, O’Connell encouraged him to focus on the next play and not dwell on past mistakes. This approach will be crucial in preparing McCarthy for real-game situations. As training camp continues, Vikings fans can expect to see more from this promising young quarterback.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45981782/nfl-minnesota-vikings-jj-mccarthy-kevin-oconnell-patriots