Richard Sherman questions J.J. McCarthy’s late-game heroics, maintains faith in Seahawks’ $100M QB Sam Darnold
Richard Sherman expresses caution over J.J. McCarthy hype
Despite a strong fourth-quarter showing from Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy on Monday night, Seattle Seahawks legend Richard Sherman is not ready to jump on the bandwagon.
The Seahawks secured Sam Darnold, the top free-agent quarterback during the offseason, signing him to a lucrative three-year deal worth over $100 million. This acquisition not only brought a new face to Seattle but also paved the way for McCarthy, the Vikings’ No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, to take control of Minnesota’s offense.
After missing his entire rookie season due to a meniscus tear, McCarthy finally had a chance to showcase his abilities against the Chicago Bears in a primetime matchup. Initially shaky, he struggled through the first three quarters. However, as the game progressed into the fourth quarter, he demonstrated why the Vikings had invested their trust in him.
McCarthy completed six of eight passes for 87 yards and threw two touchdown passes in the final moments of the game. He also added a hard-fought rushing touchdown that sparked a dramatic comeback for Minnesota, earning him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week title for his efforts.
Skepticism lingers over McCarthy’s performance
Despite this impressive finish, many, including Sherman, remain unconvinced about McCarthy’s overall potential. Sherman, known for his sharp insights and candid opinions, expressed his reservations about evaluating McCarthy based solely on a single strong quarter.
“We’re judging this guy off a good quarter… the jury’s still out for me,” Sherman stated, emphasizing the importance of consistency and sustained performance over time.
As the Seahawks and their fans embrace the potential of Darnold, who has shown promise in his new role, the debate surrounding McCarthy’s readiness continues. While he has flashed moments of brilliance, the question remains whether he can maintain that level of excellence throughout an entire game—or season.
As the NFL season unfolds, both quarterbacks will be under scrutiny as they strive to prove themselves in the league. Sherman’s faith in Darnold suggests that the Seahawks may have made the right choice in their quest for success.
