Even McCarthy’s Small Steps Are Big

The preseason opener between the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans had the usual storylines for a game this time of year. But the one thing on everybody’s mind was how J.J. McCarthy would look as the starting quarterback.

McCarthy broke the internet a year ago, shaking off an early interception to throw two touchdowns. It was a performance so good that even Justin Jefferson went nuts on the sidelines. And then, just a few days later, the Vikings revealed that McCarthy had torn his meniscus.

After a season on the shelf, McCarthy was the storyline heading into Saturday’s game. Still, it was a modest performance, going four for seven for 30 yards in a 20-10 win over the Texans.

It’s not something that’s going to give creators more footage for the Instagram edits, or enough to convince the kids to drop to their knees and scream, “My God, the aura!” Still, it was an encouraging sign because even McCarthy’s small steps are giant ones heading into this season.

To understand, you have to go back a year. Much like Saturday’s game, McCarthy was the story in a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. While Sam Darnold started the game, McCarthy came in on the second drive with the hopes of every Vikings fan in his hands.

McCarthy showed a lot of things that afternoon, including good decision-making after the interception, an arm strong enough to force throws downfield, and mobility that could put pressure on the defense. Beyond the 188 yards and two touchdowns, Vikings fans were optimistic because McCarthy looked the part of a future franchise quarterback -- until he woke up sore the following morning.

But while McCarthy was beginning his journey, so was Darnold. Many were skeptical that the man who saw ghosts on a Monday night in the Meadowlands could lead Minnesota to more than a six-win season. If anything, it wasn’t a matter of whether Darnold could make the Vikings contenders. It was when McCarthy was going to take his job.

There were ups and downs in training camp, but Darnold started to gain confidence. It felt like Darnold was on training wheels in Minnesota's win over the New York Giants because the defense and the running game fueled the victory. But things started to snowball in a good way when he launched a

We all know what happened next. Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, and McCarthy rehabbed in the background, even undergoing a second procedure in November. Even while Darnold was gaining darkhorse MVP chatter, some wondered what would have happened if McCarthy had never gotten hurt and the hype had continued to build this offseason.

The Vikings kicked the tires on a Darnold return, but the Seattle Seahawks swooped in with an offer he couldn’t refuse. Minnesota also tried to convince Daniel Jones to return, but he opted for a better chance to start with the Indianapolis Colts. Even Aaron Rodgers couldn’t convince Kevin O’Connell to push the McCarthy plan back a year, leading to massive expectations when the first-year starter hit the field.

Perhaps this storyline and an up-and-down training camp would leave McCarthy to play a handful of series to knock the rust off. However, the plan was similar to what it had been a year ago. Run the offense and look like you belong.

Some things could have gone better on Saturday. McCarthy’s passes seemed to be a hair off, but Jordan Addison reeled them in. Another throw on a third down was a little too high for Lucky Jackson and sent the Vikings into a fourth down on their first drive.

Still, there were also some positives, such as a connection with Addison on a play-action bootleg on the first snap of the game. He showed off his arm strength as he delivered in a crowded pocket to connect with a diving Addison. He picked up a fourth down with a scramble and led a scoring drive that started deep in his own territory.

Best of all? There were no presnap penalties and no confusion. It felt like McCarthy held his own even with Jefferson on the sidelines.

“I thought J.J. commanded the huddle, got some great feedback from guys out there,” O’Connell said. “...I loved the fact that we’re able to execute, hit an explosive [play] in the [play-action] game. I love the fact he used his legs to steal [a first down] in a game. And I think there’s just a level of composure and poise to how he ran the show that was exactly what I was looking for.”

The task from here is simple. If McCarthy can keep building through this week’s joint practice with the New England Patriots, it should have Vikings fans feeling comfortable about the season opener with the Chicago Bears. If McCarthy can continue to secure small wins, they can lead to bigger ones when the regular season begins.

It’s not something that will look great on a social post or make national commentators dub him “The Next Mahomes.” But after a year on the sidelines, McCarthy is still a work in progress that can come to fruition when the games start to count.