The Minnesota Vikings are the last undefeated team in the NFL and continue to boast an elite defense, but a shaky passing offense is arguably the franchise's biggest hindrance to a first-ever Super Bowl win. Kyler Murray will have to prove that he can deliver on the big stage, something Sam Darnold did with the deeply talented Seattle Seahawks last season. A steady quarterback who can make plays when necessary and avoid disastrous mistakes is a proven championship recipe. Many fans are currently wondering if the previously beleaguered J.J. McCarthy can actually check those boxes.

He certainly did so for the New York Giants on Sunday. The No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft effectively scanned the field, nicely maneuvered around the pocket, made layered throws along the sidelines and helped Big Blue earn a 27-21 overtime road win versus the Houston Texans. Some of his best moments were packaged together in a highlight reel, courtesy of The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov.

#Giants QB J.J. McCarthy made some big-boy throws on Sunday.

Six plays here. Every one of them — wow. https://t.co/ByC8pnUEu6 pic.twitter.com/j08ZtZJ5eV

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 26, 2026

McCarthy completed 20-of-28 passes for 252 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Although that stat line does not scream “game-changing QB,” those who watched this inter-conference matchup know the difference he made for the Giants. Many Vikings fans know it, too.

Minnesota has little reason to fret at the moment, but it is always difficult to watch a player who was tapped to be a franchise pillar succeed with a new team. Even worse, this outcome was completely avoidable. The Vikings did not need to trade McCarthy for a 2027 fifth-rounder. With no visible long-term QB plan solidified, it was incredibly risky for general manager Nolan Teasley and head coach Kevin O'Connell to part ways with the 2023-24 national champion.

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J.J. McCarthy stumbled in the Land of Purple and Gold, completing just 57.6 percent of his passes and tossing more interceptions than TDs in his 10 starts with the squad, but injuries also stunted his development. A little patience can do wonders for a signal-caller. Fans want to believe that Vikings brass has its finger on the pulse of the roster. Big moves like these will determine if that is in fact true.

One productive outing in Houston does not mean McCarthy is destined for greatness. His thrilling comeback effort versus the Chicago Bears in his Minnesota debut did not precede a stellar 2025 campaign. But he is seemingly making notable progress under a head coach who oversaw the growth of both Lamar Jackson and Joe Flacco on the Baltimore Ravens.

And he is only 23 years old.