WATCH: JJ McCarthy shines in Vikings debut
![Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5703,h_3207,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/wolverine_digest/01j4z433hdpnawbq7pms.jpg)
Fans have been eagerly awaiting to see rookie QB JJ McCarthy make his first official appearance with the Minnesota Vikings, and it came early in the first quarter of Saturday's preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. McCarthy completed his first pass out of the gate, but proceeded to throw an interception on his third attempt. Through two and a half quarters, McCarthy went 11-of-17 for 188 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. The rookie QB also added 2 carries for 18 yards, including an impressive maneuver to avoid a sack and secure a first down with his legs.
Here's a look at some of the notable plays from his preseason debut:
J.J. McCarthy maneuvers in the pocket and finds Jalen Nailor for 18-yards!
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024
📺: #LVvsMIN on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/fG6RLO1pyS
Vegas INT!
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024
Jack Jones comes down with the ball for the @Raiders.
📺: #LVvsMIN on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/RdAB97uwHZ
J.J. McCarthy, with a blitzing linebacker in his face, hits Trishton Jackson for 24 yards pic.twitter.com/fYc246Z9HE
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 10, 2024
J.J. McCarthy is starting to heat up. Another big throw to Trishton Jackson 🔥#Skol
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 10, 2024
pic.twitter.com/B7cnflVA5A
Having a QB that can scramble is going to be awesome.
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 10, 2024
J.J. McCarthy runs for the first down!!! #Skol
pic.twitter.com/HsNdlXf8vL
JJ McCarthy with a DIMEpic.twitter.com/UY4tqXvXgh
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) August 10, 2024
JJ does it AGAIN.👀🔥#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/zUvSt5GgC1
— The Winged Helmet (@TWH_Chris) August 10, 2024
Solid debut for the #Vikings rookie QB. JJ McCarthy finishes the afternoon completing 11-of-17 for 188 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT.#ProBlue #GoBlue #Skol pic.twitter.com/vbK3LuhUIO
— The Winged Helmet (@TWH_Chris) August 10, 2024
McCarthy's performance was on par with what we hard coming out of training camp. There's no doubt he's still growing into life as a quarterback in the NFL, but his talent is impossible to ignore. He's got great athleticism and his arm talent is elite. If he can settle in and avoid making costly mistakes by trying to do too much, it's hard to see a scenario where he doesn't earn that QB1 job at some point in the very near future.
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