The Minnesota Vikings have had a rough start this season. They had three wins and four losses before their Week 9 game against the Detroit Lions. The team headed into the game with a new ray of hope. It was none other than the returning QB JJ McCarthy. His role was crucial in getting his team back to its winning ways. McCarthy’s performance against the Lions was clear evidence that the other teams in the division should watch out for the QB.

The Detroit Lions versus the Vikings was an intense matchup. The protagonist of this thrilling 27-24 was QB JJ McCarthy, who returned after missing 23 of his first 25 games in the NFL. The 22-year-old’s outing at Ford Field was his coming-out party as the QB had 14 of 25 for 143 yards. He had two touchdowns while running for a third. Notably, JJ McCarthy’s 9-yard rushing touchdown on 3rd and 8 was the turning point, as it took the Vikings to 24 points and helped them seal the deal.

Based on this performance, CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan was quick to proclaim that “J.J. McCarthy has put the NFC North on notice.” Sullivan believes this win over Detroit has brought Minnesota “firmly in the mix in the NFC North race after Green Bay lost as well.”

McCarthy was ruled out in Week 2 of this season because of a sprained ankle. This injury came after the former Michigan Wolverines star missed the previous season after a torn meniscus in his right knee.

The Vikings have also improved their record against their divisional rivals to 2-0, the best across the NFC North. Subsequently, the NFC North division is wide open as Minnesota’s upset win prevented the division from becoming a two-team race. Rather, all four teams are still mathematically and practically in contention halfway through the season.

Now, the Minnesota Vikings will take on the Baltimore Ravens, who are a 3.5-point favorite to win this game. This matchup will kick off an extremely difficult schedule for Kevin O’Connell‘s squad. But with JJ McCarthy at the helm, the Vikings could be a dark horse contender to at least secure a viable chance at a Wild Card spot from this division.

Kevin O’Connell’s candid reaction to JJ McCarthy’s return

This Minnesota Vikings’ win over the Detroit Lions will mean the most to head coach Kevin O’Connell because of the pressure he has been under this entire season. But with humiliating defeats in Week 7 (Eagles) and Week 8 (Chargers), O’Connell was the closest to being placed on the hot seat. But with JJ McCarthy’s return, the former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator can take a sigh of relief.

Further, Kevin O’Connell praised the 22-year-old QB for his solid overall performance and for making big plays in the clutch. The Vikings head coach said, “We saw a lot of the things that he’s capable of doing. … He will only get better and better. But 2-0 on the road in the NFC North with him making some critical, critical plays for us to win the game.”

O’Connell highlighted JJ McCarthy’s ability to adapt quickly under pressure and his presence of mind during certain plays. The Minnesota head coach said, “Just the feel of him playing quarterback, mixed with his athleticism, protected himself a couple times when he did steal us some yardage. …. Just his presence.” KOC concluded his media address by sharing how proud he was of JJ McCarthy’s overall performance.

In JJ McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings have rediscovered their crown jewel, but can he help his team advance to the Playoffs?