J.J. McCarthy outlines expectations he has for himself as a rookie

JJ McCarthy is pretty simple when it comes to his expectations as a rookie quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings.

While he wasn’t anointed the starter right away, there’s no question Minnesota sees the former Michigan QB as the future of the franchise. For now, it’s just about getting better one day at a time, as cliche as that sounds.

McCarthy put it all in perspective despite coming off an undefeated season and national championship with the Wolverines.

“The only expectations I put on myself is to know the playbook inside and out, to be the best teammate I could possibly be ,show up and work harder than everyone else in this building,” McCarthy said. I don’t know if I can outdo (coach Kevin O’Connell), but I’ll try. But yeah, (those are the) only expectations for myself.”

Sam Darnold is the current starting quarterback for the Vikings after he signed a one-year deal in the offseason. Other veterans Nick Mullens and Jarren Hall round out the quarterback room.

McCarthy wants to be out there with a loaded offense. But, he has to bide his time, learn and develop for now.

“Being the competitive that I am, of course (I want to play),” McCarthy said. “But this is such a blessing for me, like I grew up watching Sam Darnold my entire life. And being able to just sit there and watch him, watch Nick (Mullens), watch (Jarren Hall) and it’s not what they say to me. It’s what they do and just being a sponge. 

“Just observing them and eventually, hopefully, one day surpassing them, but right now, you know, they’re just phenomenal human beings that are sharing their wisdom with me. And, you know, I just can’t thank him enough for that and I can’t wait for training camp.”

After Kirk Cousins went down with a season-ending Achilles injury, Mullens, Hall, and Joshua Dobbs all took snaps under center last year for the Vikings. Further adding an emphasis for O’Connell to focus on the development and preparation of his entire quarterback room ahead of the season, especially for McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick.

“So I have total understanding of we only control so much in this whole thing and that’s what I’ve challenged the quarterbacks to do is control what you can. Which is your preparation, how detailed can you be, and can you stack good periods of practice together, good days together?” O’Connell asked. “And before you know, you’re looking up and it’s not about the camp you’ve had, it’s about your readiness to help the Minnesota Vikings win is hopefully what all of our players are going to be coming reporting back here with a mindset on.”