Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has a similar task ahead of him as he looks to build chemistry with his receiving corps. The negative impact of injuries and inconsistent lineups engulfed the team. Consequently, he’s had to deal with eight different first team receivers this training camp. This situation has compelled McCarthy to adapt his approach on the field while striving to establish crucial connections with his teammates.
Even in this chaos, McCarthy has been able to scour the depths and find some solid role players, and he’s found success with several of them. He seems to have established a connection with Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones Sr., and T.J. Hockenson. These three players have been shining beacons of hope and super-reliable targets in the ever-changing landscape that is the receiving corps. Speaker McCarthy’s process largely continues. Plays become even more important, he places a huge emphasis on this, playing with receivers that haven’t long been in the WR room.
The Vikings’ starting offense had just one practice before rolling out multiple three-receiver sets with Lucky Jackson, Jeshaun Jones and Thayer Thomas. As McCarthy conceded, his optimism is higher today than ever, in spite of the camp’s struggles. Throughout this stretch, some of these guys have really taken their opportunity and run with it,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. Others will go on to still have their time in the sun, underlining the resilience required from both competitors and tacticians.
McCarthy has met his share of challenges at training camp. He’s working with new receivers every day, and even rotates teammates during walk-throughs. That uncertainty, though, has put a new burden on him as he prepares for his Week 1 start. Injuries, including a devastating season-ending left knee injury to the emerging Rondale Moore have quickly muddied the waters.
“Guys have stepped up, especially in the bad times, that’s when you see guys fight,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. He praised the diligence, creativity, and dedication of many stakeholders. McCarthy has put in the effort to develop chemistry with his teammates. Injuries and suspensions have caused challenges that short-circuited his opportunities to develop a rapport.
McCarthy’s on-target passing will go a long way as the Cowboys head into their most exciting contest yet against the Chicago Bears. Just the fact that he knows the players a bit gives him hope for more success on the field. As the Vikings get ready for their home opener on the regular season their second. Questions about the rest of the receiving corps create some doubt.
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