Colin Cowherd is at it again, unrelenting in his public skepticism of Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The sports pundit’s latest jab came with a bold proclamation: McCarthy, the former Michigan star and national champion, is destined to be a middling “C quarterback” in the NFL. Cowherd’s reasoning? A supposed lack of a defining “wow” trait and subpar fourth-quarter performances in college. But does the data back up his scorching hot take, or is Cowherd cherry-picking to fuel his narrative?
Cowherd’s criticism hinges on his belief that elite NFL quarterbacks possess a singular, standout trait that sets them apart. He rattles off a list of stars to make his point: Patrick Mahomes’ arm talent, Josh Allen’s imposing size, Lamar Jackson’s electric athleticism, Matthew Stafford’s cannon of an arm, Joe Burrow’s pinpoint accuracy, and C.J. Stroud’s precision. According to Cowherd, McCarthy lacks any such defining quality.
“I don’t see the wow,” Cowherd declared on his show, doubling down on pre-draft evaluations that flagged McCarthy’s arm strength as “modest,” his escapability as average, and his release as unremarkable. He even seized on a June report from Vikings On SI’s Will Ragatz, which noted McCarthy throwing an interception in minicamp, to question whether the young quarterback has any elite attributes. For Cowherd, McCarthy’s college success under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan is merely a product of a system that makes everyone a “winner,” not a reflection of individual brilliance.
Cowherd’s boldest claim is that McCarthy’s fourth-quarter stats in college, particularly when playing from behind, are “terrible.” He suggests that Michigan’s undefeated 2023 season masks McCarthy’s struggles in clutch moments. But a closer look at the tape from two of Michigan’s biggest games—against Ohio State in the regular season and Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal—paints a different picture.
Vs. Ohio State: In a tight, high-stakes rivalry game, McCarthy was perfect in the fourth quarter, going 5-for-5 passing across two drives that ended in field goals, helping Michigan secure a 30-24 victory.
Vs. Alabama: Facing a fierce Crimson Tide defense, McCarthy delivered in crunch time. He completed 5-of-9 passes for 87 yards, including a 27-yard strike on fourth down, a 20-yard completion, and a 29-yard pass to set up a 4-yard touchdown to Roman Wilson with 1:34 left, tying the game. Oh, and he added a 16-yard scamper for good measure.
Clutch? You bet. These performances, especially against Alabama’s NFL-caliber defense, showcase a quarterback who thrives under pressure, not one who crumbles. So where’s the “terrible” Cowherd speaks of?
Cowherd dismisses the idea that McCarthy’s knack for winning is a meaningful trait. “Everybody under Jim Harbaugh and Nick Saban is a winner,” he scoffed, implying that McCarthy’s success is a byproduct of Michigan’s dominant system rather than his own skill. But this overlooks McCarthy’s role in leading an undefeated Wolverines squad to a national title. His poise, decision-making, and ability to make critical plays—evident in those fourth-quarter heroics—suggest a quarterback who elevates those around him, even if he doesn’t boast Mahomes-level arm strength or Lamar-level speed.
Cowherd contrasts McCarthy with Sam Darnold, a quarterback he admires for his toughness and ability to make big throws on the move. Yet, Darnold’s career has been marred by inconsistency and turnovers, traits that McCarthy rarely exhibited in college. While Cowherd sees “wow” in Darnold’s flashes of brilliance, McCarthy’s supporters argue that his consistency, leadership, and ability to win in high-pressure situations are just as valuable—if not more so.
For McCarthy, now a Viking and gearing up for his NFL debut, Cowherd’s critiques are just background noise. The 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is focused on proving himself in Minnesota, where head coach Kevin O’Connell is banking on his intelligence, work ethic, and understated playmaking to lead the franchise. McCarthy’s college résumé—34-2 as a starter, a national championship, and clutch performances in big games—suggests he’s more than a system quarterback.
Cowherd’s fixation on a missing “wow” trait might make for good radio, but it ignores the intangibles that often define great quarterbacks. Tom Brady didn’t have a rocket arm or blazing speed, yet his composure and decision-making made him a legend. McCarthy, with his knack for delivering in critical moments, could follow a similar path.
Colin Cowherd’s latest takedown of J.J. McCarthy is a classic case of a pundit doubling down on a narrative, even when the evidence suggests otherwise. McCarthy’s fourth-quarter heroics against Ohio State and Alabama debunk the “terrible” label, and his leadership in Michigan’s championship run speaks louder than any highlight-reel throw. Does he have a Mahomes-like arm or Lamar-like legs? No. But does he have the poise, smarts, and clutch gene to succeed in the NFL? The tape says yes.