“I don't want to do confirmation bias”: Colin Cowherd envisions J.J. McCarthy's divorce with Kevin O'Connell's Vikings

Fox Sports analyst Colin Cowherd said a breaking point may arrive between J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings.

Cowherd evaluated the quarterback after the Vikings’ 19-27 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Minnesota (4-5) remains at the bottom of the NFC North amid mounting offensive issues.

"J.J. McCarthy, off script, passer ratings, 57," Cowherd said on Monday, via "The Herd." "The hardest thing in the NFL, in my opinion, beyond just winning, is acknowledging for GMs and coaches, we made a mistake in that first-round pick. I'd let J.J. play the entire year. Got nothing to lose. I do think if you're good on the first drive, it means you're coachable.

"And I think his arm is an NFL arm, but Kevin O'Connell's had seven quarterbacks in Minnesota. J.J. is sixth, and I'm watching Justin Jefferson, and he's about done with it. I don't want to be negative. He was the one. I don't want to do confirmation bias, because this was the one first-round quarterback I didn't get it."

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“All those Michigan guys, Roman Wilson, Blake Corum, J.J. McCarthy, they’re not as good as pros. A lot of it was (Jim) Harbaugh.” Colin Cowherd doesn’t see J.J. McCarthy working with the Minnesota Vikings 😳 via @TheHerd

McCarthy completed 20 of 42 passes for 248 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Minnesota’s offense committed eight false starts, stalling multiple first-down possessions and putting added pressure on McCarthy to compensate for the mistakes.

Colin Cowherd compares Michigan players to Georgia and Alabama pros during his critique of J.J. McCarthy

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings - Source: Imagn

Colin Cowherd widened his critique beyond J.J. McCarthy, taking aim at Michigan’s recent NFL track record.

"What we've seen about all those Michigan guys, Roman Wilson, Blake Corum, we've noted," Cowherd said on Monday, via "The Herd." "Have you noticed this? J.J., if you notice this, they're not as good as pros. It's not like the Georgia guys that come in like Jalen Carter and are immediately a top two player in the league at his position.

"It's not the Bama guys that walk in, the wide receivers, and you're like, 'Oh yeah, that guy.' A lot of those Michigan guys, a lot of it was hardball, and I'm watching and I know he's a winner. I get it, but I don't get the traits. I don't see it."

Minnesota drafted McCarthy at No. 12 in 2024, the sixth quarterback selected behind Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix.

His transition to the pro game has been bumpy, as advanced metrics show inconsistency. McCarthy is among the league’s leaders in downfield attempts but near the bottom in completion percentage.

Kevin O’Connell admitted that McCarthy’s footwork and timing remain a work in progress. He added that he sometimes climbs too far into the pocket or throws off balance. The coach emphasized that growing pains are expected but noted that improvement in those technical areas is key for Minnesota’s offense to stabilize.