The Minnesota Vikings got a glimpse of what life could be like with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback.
He made the most of his return to Michigan by defeating the Detroit Lions in Week 9.
He produced two touchdowns in the first quarter, and the Vikings never took their foot off the gas.
He threw for 143 yards and two touchdowns with one interception, adding nine carries for 12 yards and one TD, which made NFL history.
“[J.J. McCarthy] became the first player in NFL history with at least two touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown in two of a player’s first three career games,” Vikings Communications wrote on X.
.@jjmccarthy09 became the first player in NFL history with at least two touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown in two of a player’s first three career games. pic.twitter.com/ZNnrT9peVu
— Vikings Communications (@VikingsPR) November 3, 2025
McCarthy didn’t look as good in his first two starts.
He did lead the Vikings to a comeback win against the Chicago Bears in the season opener, showing some flashes after struggling early.
He was injured in a Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but against the Lions, he finally looked like the star prospect the Vikings hoped he’d be.
Kevin O’Connell is the perfect head coach to develop a young quarterback like him, and McCarthy executed his offensive system better and more efficiently than veteran Carson Wentz did starting in his place.
That being said, the Vikings need to be extremely careful with McCarthy.
He’s already missed several games this season after sitting out his rookie season due to injury.
Durability is the best of abilities, and committing to an injury-prone quarterback is a risky bet.
Yet, this surprising NFC North victory showed what he’s capable of when healthy.
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