ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reports that the Vikings used virtual reality and traditional mentorship methods to prepare J.J. McCarthy for the starting role in 2025.
Seifert writes, “McCarthy had access to traditional game film as well as a dedicated camera the Vikings attached to Darnold’s helmet.” Darnold’s helmet film “was viewable on the wide screen the Vikings have installed in their draft room and with virtual-reality gear,” allowing McCarthy to see Darnold’s pre-snap and post-snap looks, while also hearing what Darnold was “saying in conjunction with the offensive line and even the defensive signals.” Old school methods were employed as well. McCarthy scootered to head coach Kevin O’Connell’s office for hour-long meetings once per week, and McCarthy was sometimes tasked with writing down “every third-down play the Vikings had in their weekly game plan, so that the rest of the quarterbacks could refer to it while going through a film session.” Vikings QB coach Josh McCown also popped quizzes and imparted wisdom from his years serving as a backup. These methods helped McCarthy familiarize himself with the team’s weekly cadence, giving him a leg up of sorts on typical first-time starters.