One Viking is apparently under the gun this season

JJ McCarthy will turn the key to the franchise of the Minnesota Vikings this fall, and most fans are incredibly enthusiastic about him.

CBS Sports identified “Under the Gun” players for the 2025 season, and somewhat strange, Vikings Quarterback JJ McCarthy made the cut.

McCarthy missed his Rookie season because of a torn meniscus, but is a complete attempt this spring and summer.

And according to CBS SportThe young passer -by is under the gun to perform this year, more than most.

CBS Sports: JJ McCarthy is under the gun

Cody Benjamin mentioned five players under the weapons for 2025 and McCarthy got the number 4 ranking on his list.

He wrote“The Minnesota Vikings basically let Kirk Cousins ​​run in 2024 so that they could prioritize a young arm like McCarthy. Then they let Sam Darnold walk this March to double McCarthy’s promise, despite several knee operations that Beroven’s Michigan product as a smell.”

“The JJ’s attitude is unmistakably spicy, making the Vikings a candidate to shake up the NFC North again. That still requires the first starter to pass something of a brutal schedule to meet 2024-blown expectations.”

Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott received a mention on the list, a place under McCarthy at number 5.

Most 1st or 2nd year QBs offered grace

Although McCarthy has reasonably elevated expectations due to its 1st round concept stock in 2024, most Rookie and Second-year Quarterbacks get a little leeway.

Benjamin article treats McCarthy as an experienced veteran. No other passers from the first or second -year students appeared on the list.

One must wonder why McCarthy “is under the gun” when he has not yet taken NFL snap.

Vikings ’14 -3 Record Last year apparently weighs heavy

The only sensible theory? Last season, Minnesota finished 14-3 with Sam Darnold, who the most labeled a “bust” before head coach Kevin O’Connell got hold of him.

So the mentality must be: if O’Connell could press 14 victories from a season with Darnold, well, McCarthy should do something similar.

It is the only thing to explain why a 22-year-old quarterback would be under the gun.

McCarthy expectations

In general, McCarthy gets his flowers when he plays competent according to the standards of a young quarterback, while he keeps Minnesota relevant all season. The team can already have in super bowl aspirations, but McCarthy that leads Minnesota to a winning plate and the appearance of the play -off would be sufficient to generate excitement for 2026 and then.

Always remember: the Vikings have four seasons to get this right for a super bowl until McCarthy $ 70 million can control through contract extension (if he is good).

Most player under the gun? Trevor Lawrence

Benjamin Label Jacksonville Jaguars Quarterback Trevor Lawrence As the best player under the gun in 2025, which makes sense.

He explained: “Lawrence is in the special position to have already secured a handsome financial obligation of the Jacksonville Jaguars, which brought him in the last season $ 275 million (!), While may play for his job under a new coach in Liam Coen. Hyperbolisch? Consider the former no. 1 Pick, MET NEW ASDOSD Passes (69), Hyperbolic?

“The Jaguars not only need him to be more available for a large part of the past two years, missing and/or missed from time missing more smart to finally take advantage of a weak division. At least he now has the advantage of an ultra-gawnant passing duo, where Travis Hunter joins Brian Thomas Jr. Wide.”

Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Anthony Richardson checked in at number 2: “There is a very strong thing to do that Richardson has already shown us who he is: an incredibly gifted but frustrating whimsical quarterback that is best for more time on the couch, his Ambacht.”

“With the clock suddenly ticking in Indianapolis, where the Colts spent decent money on Daniel Jones as a summer competition, at least Richardson still has a chance to translate his supersized athletics into meaningful Sunday results. He will only be 23 this month, but it can now be in blue.”

Vikings organized team activities will be cooked in six days.