Key Points:
McCarthy discussed hard times, was blamed for them
The Minnesota Vikings are 4-8, last place in the NFC North after battling the Lions down to the final game last season for first place.
The Vikings’ current standing is the result of letting former starter Sam Darnold walk to the Seattle Seahawks and replacing him with former first round pick and first year starter J.J. McCarthy.
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On Thursday, McCarthy had the chance to speak to media at a press conference during which he vented frustrations on the Vikings’ difficulties while praising the effort of superstar receiving target Justin Jefferson.
McCarthy’s comments gave fans the opportunity to lay into the Vikings quarterback as many appeared to blame him for the team’s struggles.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) passes the ball against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
McCarthy Praises Jefferson’s Leadership
McCarthy praised the leadership of Jefferson who is continuing to soldier forward during a tough season.
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The former first round pick out of LSU has eight less touchdowns compared to last season (10 last season, two this season) with only five games left on the schedule.
McCarthy said that Jefferson is not a ‘me guy’ like so many other receivers are around the NFL (in his estimation), and spoke glowingly of what he’s done as team captain.
“Obviously it’s frustrating, obviously he’s the greatest in the world and going through tough times,” McCarthy said.
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“But the way he’s responded, acted towards me, and how he wears that ‘C’ on his chest, it’s something amazing.
“It just amplifies his ability as a player.”
Fans Lash Out at First Year Starter
Fans lashed out at McCarthy as they took him to task for not getting the Vikings’ star the ball more often.
“Dude, it’s easy,” one fan said. “Anytime he’s in single coverage, you need to throw him the ball. He’ll make you look like Daunte Culpepper looked with Randy Moss.”
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“It’s something amazing,” another said. “Yeah, the guy they gave $140 million to 18 months ago is doing his job, what a guy.”
“Like it’s not this guy causing the tough times,” another said of McCarthy.
“He’s the tough times,” another said. “Just stop overthrowing him by 10 feet and a lot can be fixed.”
“He’s cringe,” another said of McCarthy. “But I like the kid and think it’s worth giving him some time.”
“So get him the (expletive) ball,” another added of McCarthy, who has 6 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season with a 24.1 QBR.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.