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Vikings Top Takeaways: J.J. Balls Out In Debut

Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell reacts during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

By Ethan Thomas on August 10, 2024

On Saturday afternoon the Vikings got their first preseason win since before the pandemic, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 24-23. Here’s our top takeaways from preseason game one!

J.J. McCarthy balled out. His first possession as a professional was a rollercoaster. He stepped up in the pocket on his first throw from scrimmage in a way Kirk Cousins never has and delivered a dart to Jaylon Naylor over the middle. On the next play he overthrew an easy screen pass by a mile. On the play after that, he threw an interception. It looked like we were in for a prototypical rookie debut QB performance and then the former Wolverine went off.

How J.J. McCarthy‘s debut started:

– 1/3

– 18 Passing Yards

– 1 INT

– 15.2 Passer Rating

How J.J. McCarthy’s debut ended:

– 10/14

– 170 Passing Yards

– 2 TDs

– 131.9 Passer rating

His TD to Trishton Jackson was the sort of big arm throw critics accused him of not being able to make.

McCarthy wasn’t the only quarterback that impressed as Sam Darnold started the game and marched the team right down the field on a drive that certainly could have ended in a touchdown if Aaron Jones, in Justin Jefferson were on the field.

Despite his headset going in and out, Darnold looked every bit the part. “It was just kind of going in and out. I kind of had to run over to [O’Connell] a couple times, like it was high school. I got my cardio in.”

McCarthy wasn’t the only high profile rookie to show out. Dallas Turner looked like an absolute stud getting a QB hit followed by a sack to stall out a Raiders early drive. Oh by the way, he did it going against a pro bowl tackle.

The lackluster CB play was on display early with Byron Murphy comically missing an open field tackle on one of the Raiders first drives. To no one’s surprise the defensive backfield looks like one of the teams biggest concerns, but after the game Kevin O’Connell essentially confirmed more reinforcements may be on the way.

Bo Richter gave a “guy you didn’t know now you know performance.” The rookie performance had a sack and beat his defenders all day.

There is hope in Minnesota kicker land. With the game on the line rookie kicker Will Reichard connected on a 38 yarder after hitting all three of his extra points on the day. His only miss was due to a block. For the first time in a long time the team may have a path at the position.

Kene Nwangwu continued to push my “why doesn’t he get more of a chance” narrative. Breaking loose on a big touchdown run the speedster was once again proved how Impressive he is When given space. there has to be something going on that is preventing him from climbing the depth chart at the running back position. He’s just too fast for it to be simply a skill thing.

Lastly the other JJ was mic’d up and it was fantastic.

There will be plenty more to discuss from this game, but these were the main things we thought it was important to see immediately.

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