Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson isn’t shy about what he wants to see from the team’s quarterbacks. And his message to J.J. McCarthy was pretty direct: be the guy who wants it more.
Speaking to reporters, Jefferson broke down the quarterback competition between McCarthy and veteran free agent addition Kyler Murray. The Vikings brought Murray in this offseason, and the team has been tight-lipped about who will start Week 1. McCarthy, a third-year player who finally got healthy last season, showed flashes but also looked shaky at times.
Jefferson didn’t sugarcoat anything for the younger QB.
“I feel like it’s going to be great, one for JJ to get that competition in that room, for him to have to step up his game a little bit, and have to be that dog and come to training camp every single day with that on his mind,” Jefferson said, per Kevin Clark.
The star receiver also acknowledged that Murray brings a different kind of value. Murray has already proven he can be a dynamic playmaker in this league. What Jefferson wants to see from him is leadership, not just ability.
“For him, it’s all about coming in and being that leader that we expect him to be,” Jefferson said. “With the things that he has already done in the league, we know he’s a playmaker. It’s just about coming to this team with that leadership role. I feel like it’s going to be a great battle.”
Jefferson made it clear that as of now, he has no idea who will win the job. The Vikings are still evaluating. But the old saying about two quarterbacks meaning you have none is hanging over this team. Minnesota squeezed out an above-.500 record last season in a frustrating year. Fans are hoping this quarterback situation doesn’t become a mess that drags the whole team down.
Most pundits view Murray as the frontrunner. He has the experience and the resume. But the Vikings clearly want to let training camp decide. McCarthy has the arm and the athletic tools. What he lacks is the consistency and the track record. Jefferson basically just told him to go earn it.
That kind of pressure from your best player can either make a young quarterback sink or swim. McCarthy has a chance to prove he belongs. Murray has a chance to show he can still be the guy. Either way, Jefferson is watching closely.
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