Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell isn’t rushing to announce his starting quarterback, but some recent remarks certainly captured attention.
With J.J. McCarthy awaiting his opportunity, and persistent discussions surrounding the front office and coaching staff, fans are looking for clarity.
Asked about McCarthy’s prospects for claiming the role in 2025, O’Connell addressed the matter directly on “The Rich Eisen Show.”
“I know everybody is wildly concerned about these reps on air. Let me put you at peace, Rich. [McCarthy] is taking plenty of snaps from Ryan Kelly, who happens to be a 10-year starting offensive center in this league. Take that for what it’s worth. I don’t think Vikings fans or any wildly successful, nationally renowned broadcasters like yourself should be worried about the amount of reps J.J. is going to get with the 1s,” O’Connell said, via The Purple Persuasion.
Kevin O'Connell on @Vikings J.J. McCarthy when asked if he’s QB1 👀
“I know everybody is wildly concerned about these reps on air. Let me put you at peace, Rich. [McCarthy] is taking plenty of snaps with Ryan Kelly, who happens to be a 10-year starting offensive center in this… pic.twitter.com/fkkogmhLxB
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) May 7, 2025
O’Connell’s response conveyed a confident message, effectively reminding everyone that the organization has a deliberate plan for McCarthy’s development.
The focus extends beyond simple snap counts to McCarthy mastering comprehensive quarterback responsibilities.
This includes commanding the huddle, executing with proper rhythm and timing, managing cadence, and making essential reads.
The Vikings are positioning him to take over after the departure of Sam Darnold, confident in his ability to embrace that responsibility after sitting out his rookie season with a knee injury.
The Vikings are displaying confidence in McCarthy’s development, despite ongoing speculation surrounding his status since his preseason setback.
The organization has adopted a cautious, forward-looking approach to his recovery and development after he was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Their priority was never accelerating his return but ensuring he would be physically prepared to make progress when offseason activities begin.
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