Kevin O’Connell has built a reputation as one of the sharper quarterback minds in the NFL. But lately, the Vikings head coach has found himself navigating a stretch of QB decisions that have raised more questions than answers.
The latest chapter? Max Brosmer, thrust into action and clearly not ready for the moment.
Let’s rewind. In 2024, O’Connell made a bold move by trading up to draft J.J.
McCarthy. At the time, it felt like a bit of a reach.
Now, it’s starting to look like a full-on misfire. He also let Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones walk in free agency-two quarterbacks who, somewhat surprisingly, have found new life with their current teams and are now steering playoff-caliber offenses.
O’Connell, meanwhile, went all-in on McCarthy as the guy for 2025 and beyond. The future face of the franchise.
But instead of gold, McCarthy’s rookie season has looked more like tarnished bronze-if we’re being generous. The flashes of potential have been few and far between, and his struggles have been magnified by a Vikings offense that’s failed to find any rhythm.
Carson Wentz held things together briefly when McCarthy was sidelined, but when Brosmer was asked to step in, the drop-off was steep. The rookie from Minnesota simply wasn’t ready for NFL speed or complexity, and it showed. Which brings us back to McCarthy, who’s cleared concussion protocol and is set to return as the starter in Week 14.
So, can the Vikings expect anything different from McCarthy this time around?
Actually, yes-at least in the short term.
The biggest reason for optimism? The schedule.
The Vikings are about to hit a stretch that could help McCarthy settle in and regain some confidence. After battling the Packers and Seahawks-two defenses that don’t exactly make life easy on young quarterbacks-Minnesota now gets a trio of opponents that have been giving up yards and points in bunches.
First up: the Washington Commanders at home. Washington just gave up over 300 passing yards to Bo Nix, something he hadn’t done since Week 4.
That’s a defense ripe for a bounce-back game. Then it’s on to Dallas and New York.
The Cowboys’ defense has improved, but they’re still middle-of-the-pack in most key metrics. The Giants?
Their defense has been one of the worst in the league.
Over the past five games, those three defenses rank second, 11th, and third in most yards allowed. They’ve also given up the third-, fifth-, and second-most points in that span. That’s the kind of stretch that can help a young quarterback like McCarthy find his footing.
But it’s not just about the opponents. Minnesota’s receiving corps-on paper, one of the more talented duos in the league-needs to step up.
Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison haven’t looked like themselves in recent weeks. Yes, McCarthy and Brosmer have missed throws, but both receivers have had more drops than you’d expect from two former first-round picks.
That has to change if this offense is going to find any kind of rhythm.
The formula for improvement is there. Easier defenses should allow the Vikings to establish the run, which in turn gives McCarthy more time and fewer high-pressure situations.
That’s key for a rookie still adjusting to NFL speed. Fewer turnovers-Minnesota leads the league with 26-would go a long way toward keeping games manageable.
And let’s not forget: this Vikings defense has quietly been solid. If the offense can just stop putting them in bad spots, we could see a very different version of McCarthy over the next few weeks.
Is he going to suddenly look like a top-tier rookie QB? Probably not. But with the schedule lightening up, the receivers due for a bounce-back, and the defense doing its part, there’s a path for McCarthy to turn the corner-and for O’Connell to finally catch a break in what’s been a brutal stretch of quarterback roulette.