Vikings Save McCarthy’s Rookie Season: Creative Plan and Strategic Development

The Vikings’ Strategy for the Future: J.J. McCarthy’s Development Plan

In the past NFL season, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell dedicated an hour a week to a crucial aspect: the development of young quarterback J.J. McCarthy. This initiative, focused on the future of the franchise, was carried out despite the demands of the regular season, which culminated in a 14-3 record. During these individual sessions, O’Connell focused on McCarthy, who, due to a knee injury, was unable to participate in the season. Despite this limitation, the team sought to keep him involved and prepared for his eventual debut as a starter in 2025.

“I just wanted to give him a platform with me. My time is very hard to find during the season, but I wanted to make sure we met. What I learned from him in those meetings is that he had great questions, and that validated that he was getting and taking something from that time.”

Kevin O’Connell

The Vikings’ decision to bet on McCarthy, leaving behind Sam Darnold and other key players, reflects their long-term strategy. McCarthy’s rookie contract, with a limited impact on the salary cap, offers flexibility to build the team. McCarthy’s work off the field, along with the support of quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, was fundamental in this process.

McCarthy, prevented from playing due to an injury, remained active and involved in the team. He participated in strategy meetings, analyzed match videos, and performed mental exercises to keep up with the game. Coach O’Connell scheduled weekly meetings to analyze the game plan and discuss Darnold’s performance, allowing McCarthy to learn and mentally prepare. In addition, he had access to exclusive videos of Darnold, including the helmet perspective, to understand decisions and communications on the field. McCown, with his vast experience, implemented a program to keep McCarthy involved. This included tasks such as analyzing third-down plays and studying opposing defensive coordinators.

McCown assigned specific tasks to McCarthy, such as preparing reports on opposing defensive coordinators and analyzing plays. These activities aimed to keep McCarthy’s mind focused on football and prepare him for the future.

“Can you process that information and give it back to me? I think that’s huge because you’re trying to create as many ways as you can to keep his mind on football, processing football, how to attack an opponent, how to think about things.”

Josh McCown

McCarthy himself took the initiative, seeking information about defensive formations and actively participating in learning. Weekly, he submitted his notes so that McCown could evaluate his progress.

Despite the efforts, the Vikings acknowledge that McCarthy missed crucial development opportunities, such as on-field practice. However, the team focused on maximizing McCarthy’s time off the field. McCarthy adopted a gratitude journal, a practice he learned at the University of Michigan, to focus on the positive aspects of his situation. This strategy allowed him to stay motivated and prepared for his debut.