Recent report shows J.J. McCarthy is off to a great start in Minnesota

The former Michigan gunslinger appears to be playing well in Minnesota

Trent Knoop | Jul 28, 2024

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy points down the field during the second half of the College Football Playoff national championship game against Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. / Melanie Maxwell / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Minnesota Vikings have been conducting their annual training camp the past few days and by all accounts rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is standing out in the early going. McCarthy, who some believed would actually be QB3 this season, has been working with the backups while getting a few reps with the starters.

Presumed starter Sam Darnold has made some flashy plays, but also has made some head-scratching mistakes as well for a veteran quarterback. During the red zone portion of Saturday's training camp, Darnold stared down a Vikings' receiver and was picked off by Minnesota safety Harrison Smith.

But while Darnold looked so-so during that portion, the former Michigan star looked lights out. It was reported McCarthy had just five plays inside the Vikings' red zone on Saturday and he took full advantage of it. In those five plays, McCarthy threw four touchdowns.

A couple of nice throws by J.J. McCarthy during #Vikings training camp. It’s been reported he had 5 plays in the red zone and McCarthy threw 4 touchdowns.

He’s going to be just fine. pic.twitter.com/9POzk2g7SR
— Trent Knoop (@TrentKnoop) July 28, 2024

.@jjmccarthy09 put this one right where it needed to be. 🎯

(via @Vikings) pic.twitter.com/dQyDMxl7IP
— NFL (@NFL) July 28, 2024

McCarthy has had some hiccups as well, but that's expected for an NFL rookie transitioning to the next level. He was seen yesterday throwing an interception when the offense was backed up inside their own territory. But by all accounts, McCarthy's confidence is continuing to grow and he's looking more and more sharp as the days go on.

Michigan fans are familiar enough with McCarthy's game and fully know it's hard to keep McCarthy on the bench for a prolonged period of time. He played plenty during his freshman season at Michigan -- taking away some snaps from then-starter Cade McNamara. McCarthy won the job his sophomore year and then led Michigan to a national title this past season as a true junior.

McCarthy has won at every level so far and when the Vikings selected him with the No. 10 pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, they took him to become their next franchise quarterback. The hope for Minnesota and its fans is that McCarthy will continue his winning ways at the highest of levels.

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -