Since Kevin O’Connell took over as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, the team has been known for one thing: passing. Under O’Connell, the Vikings have consistently ranked in the top 6 in passing yards in each season, even when rotating quarterbacks like Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall in 2023. The team has also ranked in the top 4 in passing attempts in both 2022 and 2023, with 631 attempts last season and 672 in 2022.
Looking ahead to 2025, it’s clear the Vikings’ starting quarterback will likely be 22-year-old JJ McCarthy. Despite missing the entire 2024 season due to a torn meniscus, McCarthy is set to throw the ball more than he ever has before—likely doubling his college attempts. In his final season at Michigan, McCarthy threw 332 passes, completing 73.1% of his third-down attempts, which ranked him first in the country. His impressive 2023 performance included a national-leading 72.3% completion rate.
However, the Vikings’ offensive strategy in 2025 might not be as pass-heavy as expected, especially with McCarthy stepping into the role. At the NFL Owners Meetings in Florida, O’Connell hinted that McCarthy’s development will be gradual, with a stronger emphasis on the running game to gain yardage on earlier downs. The goal will be to leverage McCarthy’s third-down expertise while shielding him from having to air it out too much too soon.
This approach is reflected in the Vikings’ offseason moves, including bolstering the offensive line and adding running back Jordan Mason to complement Aaron Jones. O’Connell’s strategy seems to be a careful balance, focusing on the run game while gradually building McCarthy’s passing workload.
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