Inside the Vikings' Creative Plan for J.J. McCarthy

When J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in the NFL draft, suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, it seemed his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings was doomed. However, the Vikings' coaching staff, led by head coach Kevin O'Connell, devised an innovative plan to ensure McCarthy's development continued off the field.

Weekly One-on-One Meetings

Every week, O'Connell cleared an hour from his packed schedule to meet with McCarthy. These sessions were not just about football; they were about building a relationship and ensuring McCarthy remained mentally engaged with the game. "I just wanted to give him a platform with me," O'Connell said. "Maybe it was football one day. Maybe it was no football."

Mental Preparation and Film Study

Despite being unable to practice, McCarthy immersed himself in film study. The Vikings provided him with unique resources, including a helmet camera worn by starter Sam Darnold, allowing McCarthy to see the game from a quarterback's perspective. This setup helped McCarthy understand pre-snap reads, post-snap decisions, and even defensive signals.

Quarterbacks Coach Josh McCown's Role

Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, a veteran of 18 NFL seasons, played a crucial role in McCarthy's development. McCown assigned McCarthy various tasks, from writing out third-down plays to researching opposing defensive coordinators. "It was making sure that I knew all the ins and outs," McCarthy said. "So this year, I don't have to spend too much time on things that aren't going to show up in the biggest way."

Gratitude Journaling

McCarthy also adopted a practice from his college days at the University of Michigan: keeping a gratitude journal. This helped him focus on the positives of his situation rather than dwelling on the injury. "I was very grateful for the opportunity to really get a head start on the mental side of the game," he said.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the Vikings prepare for the 2025 season, McCarthy is poised to take over as the starting quarterback. His unique rookie year, though challenging, has set him up for success. "Getting on the same page with [O'Connell] has been awesome," McCarthy said. "Last season, seeing how he calls the games and everything like that, as well as the intricate personality traits of the guys on the team, has been invaluable."

Conclusion

The Minnesota Vikings' creative approach to J.J. McCarthy's rookie season highlights the importance of mental preparation and relationship-building in football. Despite the setback of his injury, McCarthy is ready to lead the Vikings into the future.