This article was originally published on fansided.com as Vikings' biggest J.J. McCarthy problem showed up without QB even playing.

Most analysts agree that the Vikings will only go as far in 2025 as McCarthy can take them, which ESPN analyst and former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum believes is pretty far. More NFL: Odell Beckham Jr. Sparks Steelers Rumors With Aaron Rodgers Comments

As a way to give further insight into the sport, coaches and players are frequently mic’d up in contests that don’t count.

J.J. McCarthy was solid in his brief return for the Vikings, going 4 of 7 for 30 yards while leading a scoring drive in his only series and Minnesota topped the Houston Texans 20-10 on Saturday in the teams' preseason opener.

JJ McCarthy recalled some important advice he got from star teammate Justin Jefferson as they help the Vikings prepare for the 2025 season.

The more I keep looking at each team, if J.J. McCarthy plays well, this thing is built for success.” Yet it all comes down to that big “if” that Romo mentioned — McCarthy, The Vikings are placing their fate in the hands of a baby-faced 22-year-old quarterback who only started two years at Michigan and averaged just 22 passes per game.

J.J. McCarthy's return to the Minnesota Vikings was short but solid. The quarterback, who missed his rookie season due to a knee injury, led a scoring drive in a 20-10 victory over the Houston Texans on Saturday.