The Minnesota Vikings welcomed J.J. McCarthy back as their starting quarterback for a difficult road test against the Detroit Lions, with the young signal-caller facing pressure to show he deserves the job.
McCarthy delivered a solid performance, completing 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards with two touchdown throws, one interception, and an additional rushing score, helping the Vikings edge Detroit 27–24 in a crucial NFC North matchup.
Following the victory, CBS Sports analyst Danny Kanell offered a direct evaluation of McCarthy’s outing.
“I thought he looked really impressive, especially going into a tough environment against one of the league’s top defenses,” Kanell said on CBS Sports HQ. “He threw with confidence, especially that pass to Justin Jefferson — just a beautiful throw. You can tell he trusts his arm, he’s confident in his receivers, and he knows how to extend plays with his legs. That’s big for a young quarterback coming back after some time off.”
McCarthy’s Confidence on the Rise
Kanell added that the performance was an important step in McCarthy’s development.
“This game was huge for his confidence,” Kanell continued. “He doesn’t seem to lack it, but like most young quarterbacks, he’s still up and down. You’ll see great throws and some not-so-great ones. Consistency will come with time, but he’s clearly growing and playing with poise.”
Praise From Within the Locker Room
Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson echoed that sentiment after the game, telling NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that McCarthy already displays the maturity of a seasoned pro.
“He’s a baller,” Hockenson said. “You’d never guess his age by the way he handles himself. The leadership, the execution — he’s like a vet already. He’s got command of this offense.”
McCarthy, meanwhile, remained humble when reflecting on the win. He emphasized that teamwork and preparation made the difference.
“I’m so proud of the guys,” McCarthy said. “We came out with a different energy and focus this week. There’s still plenty to fix, but we’re not close to where we can be yet. Our ceiling is much higher.”
The Vikings’ win not only gave McCarthy a confidence boost but also pushed Minnesota back into the NFC playoff race. The young quarterback will aim to build on his momentum in Week 10 when the team faces the Baltimore Ravens.
