The Minnesota Vikings, and their fans, are facing quite the conundrum when it comes to the start to second-year quarterback (and first-year starter) JJ McCarthy’s career.

One one hand, the team and its fans really WANT McCarthy to succeed and be the long-term answer at quarterback. On the other hand, he has looked pretty bad most of the time so far this season.

How much patience should we have, as fans, with McCarthy? It might be helpful to look at some recent Vikings quarterbacks’ first five starts of their careers compared to McCarthy’s.

JJ MCARTHY (2025) 

Through five games, McCarthy is 74/140 passing (53%) and has thrown six touchdowns against eight interceptions. He has thrown for 842 yards and has a passer rating of 65.8.

TEDDY BRIDGEWATER (2014) 

In the first five games of Bridgewater’s career he connected on 93/155 passes (60%) for 1,053 yards and two touchdowns and five interceptions. His passer rating was 71.2.

CAREER (through 11/17/2025) 
66.4% passing, 15,120 yards, 75 TD, 47 INT, 90.5 RATE

 

CHRISTIAN PONDER (2011) 

Ponder completed 75 of his first 144 passes (52%) for 955 yards with five touchdowns against six interceptions. His passer rating was 67.3.

CAREER (2011-2014) 
59.8% passing, 6,658 YDS , 38 TD, 36 INT, 75.9 RATE

 

DAUNTE CULPEPPER (2000) 

Culpepper started all 16 games for the Vikings in 2000 and was named to the Pro Bowl. In his first five starts he completed 87/136 passes (64%) for 1,222 yards and eight touchdowns against six interceptions. His passer rating through five starts was 94.1.

CAREER (1999-2009): 
63% passing, 24,153 yards, 149 TD, 106 INT, 87.8 RATE

 

TOMMY KRAMER (1977/1979) 

Kramer’s first five starts were split between a single start in 1977 and a full season as the field general in 1979. During those five starts he completed 83/142 passes (58%) for 1,003 yards, with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions, which was good for a QB rating of 67.3.

CAREER (1977-1990): 
55.1% passing, 24,777 yards, 159 TD, 158 INT, 72.8 RATE

History of Minnesota Vikings’ 1st Round Draft Picks – Year by Year

The Minnesota Vikings started to participate in the NFL Draft in 1961. Over the years they have had a few great picks, some really good picks, some solid picks, and as we all know, some total busts and what were they thinking moments. Below is a history of all their first-round picks and some information so you can make the call for yourself on how they faired with each one.