Nobody should question J.J. McCarthy’s arm strength.
Not anymore.
Though it seemed to be a knock on him coming out of college — perhaps because the University Michigan boasted such a potent running attack — McCarthy has consistently shown the ability to let it rip since being drafted by the Vikings.
In fact, McCarthy actually might throw it too hard at times, which is something head coach Kevin O’Connell has been working on with him during the early stages of training camp. The next step in McCarthy’s progression is mastering the layered throws to different areas of the field.
“There might be a defender in front and a defender behind,” O’Connell said. “We’ve got to find a way to get that ball completed.”
As a way to work on some of those layered throws with McCarthy in real time, O’Connell opted to conduct more of a walkthrough earlier this week. The slower pace offered a chance to work on some of the fundamentals.
“I thought J.J. threw the ball really well,” O’Connell said. “He’s working on different trajectories. You’re still seeing the revolutions on the ball. Just not that heavy finish.”
Here are more takeaways from Day 4 of training camp:
How does J.J. McCarthy look?
Fittingly, McCarthy flashed his ability with layered throws early in practice on Saturday afternoon at TCO Performance Center. There was a well-placed ball to Jalen Nailor on the sideline, for example, as well as a pinpoint pass to T.J. Hockenson over the middle.
It got even better for McCarthy during some work in the red zone, as he fired a bullet to Nailor on a crossing route for a touchdown, followed by a laser to Hockenson in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.
On a free play midway through practice after the defense jumped offside, McCarthy got to showcase his arm strength, launching a majestic deep ball downfield that narrowly escaped the grasp of Nailor.
That incomplete pass stood as arguably the most impressive play of the practice until McCarthy connected with Jordan Addison for a 60-yard touchdown pass that send the fans in attendance into a frenzy.
Who else stood out?
As practice wound to a close, Will Reichard got to kick some field goals for the first time in training camp.
In total, Reichard went 5 of 6 on field-goal attempts, connecting from 54 yards away at his peak.
The operation looked smooth, as expected, with Andrew DePaola snapping, Ryan Wright holding, and Reichard kicking. That should be the battery this season barring unforeseen circumstances.
Elsewhere in practice, Lucky Jackson got a good amount of reps with the starters, which would suggest he’s being given a chance to separate himself from some of the other receivers on the roster.
The best quote of the day
At one point last year I counted, and in one game he lined up in seven different spots. His role is wildly dynamic.”
— Head coach Kevin O’Connell, on the versatility of safety Josh Metellus shortly after he agreed to a contract extension
The injury report
Never mind that Justin Jefferson is being held out of practice for the time being while he nurses a mild hamstring strain. He was still spotted alongside his teammates and seemed to be in good spirits. The plan is to have Jefferson re-evaluated next week to chart the best path forward.
Aside from that, Metellus sat out once again with a minor ankle injury, Harrison Smith did not participate, and Isaiah Rodgers stood on the sidelines for most of practice.
The good news for the Vikings is it sounds like Metellus is in the final stages of his recovery, and thus, he should be back at practice next week.
What’s coming up next?
There will be nothing on Sunday as players get some time to recover. The first practice with pads will come on Monday.
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