Following a challenging performance in Week 11, J.J. McCarthy’s position as the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings appears increasingly precarious as the team vies for a playoff berth. Despite his struggles this season, analysts Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN reported that head coach Kevin O’Connell does not seem inclined to bench the second-year quarterback at this time.
McCarthy’s job security is largely a product of circumstance, as the team’s backup, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, lacks experience. Carson Wentz was once an option, starting five games while McCarthy was sidelined with an ankle injury. However, Wentz is out for the rest of the season due to shoulder surgery, leaving the Vikings with limited alternatives.
Graziano noted the current strategy, indicating that there is little talk of turning to Brosmer, who likely requires more development than McCarthy at this point. The injury to Wentz has stripped the team of any viable option to bench McCarthy and allow him to regroup.
Fowler emphasized that Minnesota effectively has “no choice” but to continue with McCarthy, aiming to strengthen his performance over the final seven games of the season. Since returning from injury, McCarthy’s stats are concerning; he has thrown for 541 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions while maintaining a completion rate of just 50.5%.
Among 38 quarterbacks this season with over 100 attempts, McCarthy ranks last in completion percentage (52.9) and sits 34th in yards per attempt (6.0). Additionally, he possesses the fifth-highest sack percentage (9.7) among 35 qualified quarterbacks and an interception rate of 5.7%, surpassing any other player in the league.
This performance has led to visible frustrations among key Vikings players, including standout receiver Justin Jefferson. When McCarthy was chosen as the starter for the 2025 season, it was anticipated that the Vikings’ strong offensive and defensive framework, led by O’Connell, Jeffrey, and rookie standout Jordan Addison, would provide the necessary support for his development.
Unfortunately, the season has not unfolded as the Vikings had hoped, in part due to McCarthy’s injury-related absence. This has deprived him of important practice time, particularly as he adjusts to the complexities of the NFL after a less demanding collegiate experience at Michigan. Despite these challenges, the Vikings remain hopeful that McCarthy can turn his season around, and with continued support from the coaching staff and his teammates, a turnaround remains a possibility.