As the Detroit Lions prepare to take on the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday at Ford Field, much of the pregame attention has turned toward second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy — a former Michigan star who has clearly impressed Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
Campbell Lauds McCarthy’s Winning Mentality
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Campbell didn’t hide his admiration for McCarthy’s qualities, labeling him a “winner” and commending the intangibles that set him apart early in his NFL career.
“He’s a winner. That’s number one,” Campbell said, per Justin Rogers. “He’s won a lot of football games and ran a pro-style offense under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan. You don’t always find that combination. He’s athletic, has a strong arm, makes good decisions — and like any young quarterback, the more experience he gets, the better he’ll become.”
Although Detroit didn’t meet with McCarthy during the draft process, Campbell revealed that the team still did their due diligence and came away thoroughly impressed with his leadership and skill set.
At Michigan, McCarthy guided the Wolverines to a national championship, displaying composure and maturity far beyond his years — traits that clearly resonate with Campbell’s philosophy of toughness and resilience.
Poise That Commands Respect
McCarthy’s transition to the NFL hasn’t been seamless. After missing his rookie campaign with a knee injury and dealing with an ankle issue this season, he’s now poised to make his return against one of the NFC’s most physical defenses.
Yet Campbell sees nothing but confidence in the young signal-caller.
“You watch the Chicago game — things didn’t start great, he threw a pick early, but then you see him bounce back, stay calm, and lead his team to victory,” Campbell noted. “That’s impressive for a young guy. It tells me everything I need to know.”
That ability to respond under pressure embodies the very mindset Campbell preaches in Detroit — grit, mental toughness, and accountability. McCarthy’s upcoming test against the Lions defense adds another fascinating layer to Week 9’s matchup.
Detroit’s Defense Ready for the Challenge
Despite Campbell’s high regard for McCarthy, Detroit’s defense has no plans to take it easy. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is expected to bring heavy pressure, with Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill both healthy and wreaking havoc up front.
The Lions enter the contest among the league leaders in sacks and defensive pressures, and they’ll look to throw off McCarthy’s rhythm with disguised coverages and delayed blitzes.
“He’s a good player,” Campbell said with a grin. “He’s tough. But we’re going to make him earn it.”
The Takeaway
Sunday’s Lions-Vikings game carries extra intrigue — McCarthy’s homecoming to Michigan, Campbell’s respect for his former college hero, and Detroit’s mission to keep their defensive momentum rolling.
While Campbell clearly admires McCarthy’s leadership and poise, expect the Lions to turn that respect into relentless pursuit once the ball is kicked off. Ford Field will be roaring, Detroit’s defense will be hunting, and J.J. McCarthy will face one of the biggest tests of his young NFL career.
