EAGAN, Minn. — The pace of OTA practices in the NFL changes from day to day, and occasionally even from one drill to another. For a short time this week, the Minnesota Vikings’ energy was clearly at its peak.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy was attempting to squeeze the ball into a narrow gap for receiver Justin Jefferson, a star who has rarely participated in voluntary offseason workouts in past years. The Vikings’ defense employed an aggressive coverage, allowing cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. to leap and reach over Jefferson’s grasp to deflect the ball to linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. for an interception.
The sequence captured a clear glimpse of the setting the Vikings have established for McCarthy, who is anticipated to be the starter after sidelining his rookie year due to a torn right meniscus. Jefferson has participated consistently in the offseason program for the first time in three years, as stated by coach Kevin O’Connell, and the group under defensive coordinator Brian Flores has engaged in its typical practice antics. In a 115-minute practice on Wednesday, the Vikings had nearly their whole roster present on the field.
That’s why it’s fantastic to have Justin, Jordan [Addison], and T.J. involved. “Hockenson,” O’Connell remarked. “There’s a team out there of individuals who understand their tasks well, allowing them to provide [McCarthy] with timely feedback.” ‘Hi, I see you stepped back from me just now, but I’m determined to succeed at the peak of this path, no matter the advantage.’ That’s a message he will become accustomed to receiving from [Jefferson] repeatedly and soon. Small details like that. “The significance of those things cannot be measured.”
The collective bargaining agreement of the NFL states that involvement in offseason activities is optional, except for a three-day required minicamp. In recent years, the Vikings have been mindful to allow Jefferson his space, particularly during the two-year journey that culminated in a long-term contract extension in June 2024. It’s difficult to overlook the link between Jefferson’s participation this spring and McCarthy’s upcoming rise, but O’Connell suggested that the influence is broader than just getting to know a new quarterback.
“I believe it has been significant not only for J.J.,” O’Connell stated. “[Jefferson is] the spark of energy for the entire building.” I believe he has returned with a clear intention and a determined mindset. You listen to his voice, you notice how he interacts with teammates, and it really has a significant impact. He and I have discussed his role extensively. He’s not just the captain; he holds great significance for this organization and the teammates in that locker room who recognize that if this guy, among the best globally at his craft, is striving hard in May and June, I definitely need to be doing the same.
It’s just a reality, though, that Jefferson and McCarthy did not share significant time on the field together prior to this spring. In the previous year, quarterback Sam Darnold handled nearly all the first-team repetitions during OTAs, minicamp, and training camp prior to McCarthy’s knee injury that ended his season in the preseason opener. Receiver Addison, whose practice schedule coincided with Darnold’s, and tight end Hockenson, who was still recovering from his knee injury, faced similar situations.
“The timing, those repetitions, everything needs to be developed gradually,” McCarthy stated. “Therefore, the greater the number of repetitions, the more beneficial.” “I sense that we’re not at our desired location yet, but we’ll reach it when necessary.”
If Tuesday’s snapshot is any indication, that’s something the Vikings’ defense will help speed up. Shortly after Murphy created the interception, he blitzed and got free off the edge, apparently catching McCarthy off guard as he turned into the pocket. This time, McCarthy promptly responded and passed to a free receiver.
Darnold mentioned last year that his spring and summer practice against the Vikings’ defense made it much simpler to read the field against the team’s initial rivals. O’Connell remembered him stating: “They seem to be merely standing out there compared to what we observe daily [in practice].”
In 2023, Kirk Cousins, then the Vikings’ starting quarterback, acknowledged the challenge of rehearsing the team’s offensive strategies against a defense as erratic as Flores’, remarking: “Ultimately, it’s been beneficial for our growth as players and as an offense.”
McCarthy appears to be moving toward a comparable evaluation.
“Simply being able to oppose that plan,” he stated, “you won’t find that in other places.” “Simply being able to observe that each day is exceptionally priceless.”
McCarthy has paid particular attention to veteran safety Harrison Smith, who earlier this spring lauded McCarthy for “showing a bit more intelligence than his age.” McCarthy grinned and mentioned he preferred not to disclose all of Smith’s secrets, yet he did indicate that he has observed Smith attempting to “lure us into actions” by positioning his heads and eyes contrary to his intended movement.
It was a brief, individual class during a season when they arrive every day. The process will extend into the summer — and further.
