NEWSLETTER
The down time between the end of NFL minicamps and the start of training camp leaves players with ample free time.
And for Minnesota Vikings first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, that means there is still time to work on his throwing accuracy — in more ways than one:
J.J. McCarthy’s brutal first pitch at a Twins game
Somewhere, I imagine Sam Darnold is watching the clip above and chuckling under his breath. No wonder Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell named Darnold the starter at quarterback entering training camp this summer.
This is a 50 Cent type of ceremonial first-pitch toss from the first-round quarterback while at the Minnesota Twins game. Wide. Nowhere near the target. Hilarious to watch and re-watch. And fun to share with friends who are fans of the Bears (or any team that enjoys rooting against the Vikings). What a truly unimpressive toss by J.J. McCarthy. One that should alarm Vikings fans who are ready to go all-in on the University of Michigan product.
I mean, if McCarthy can’t hit a guy with a catcher’s mitt, then what faith should I have in him threading the needle or dropping one in the bucket when opponents are in coverage or bearing down on him?
For what it’s worth, J.J. McCarthy has yet to sign his rookie contract. A throw like that one isn’t going to help his case. And while I don’t imagine the Vikings would hold that type of throw against him, I know that I would if I was on the other end of the negotiating table.
