Why the Vikings Should Start Max Brosmer Over J.J. McCarthy

McCarthy’s on-field struggles have reached a point where continued repetition offers diminishing returns

The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a familiar position: navigating uncertainty at the quarterback position while trying to build a stable foundation for the future. J.J. McCarthy entered the season with tremendous expectations as a first-round pick and the presumed franchise quarterback. Yet as the season has unfolded, his performance has raised serious questions about his readiness, consistency, and long-term ceiling. In contrast, rookie Max Brosmer, though untested at the NFL level, represents a potential spark and an opportunity for meaningful evaluation. Several compelling reasons support the argument that now is the appropriate time for the Vikings to give Brosmer the starting role.

First, McCarthy’s on-field struggles have reached a point where continued repetition offers diminishing returns. His efficiency metrics—marked by a low completion percentage, stalled drives, and an unfavorable touchdown-to-interception ratio—paint the picture of a quarterback who is thinking too much, pressing too often, and failing to operate within the rhythm of the offense. The Vikings’ passing attack has stagnated, with defenses often daring McCarthy to beat them through the air. For a quarterback drafted for his decision-making and accuracy, the regression in both categories is a concerning trend. Continuing to start him under these conditions risks compounding mistakes rather than correcting them.

In contrast, starting Max Brosmer offers the team a clearer path toward discovery. Brosmer enters the equation with fewer expectations, less pressure, and an opportunity to showcase traits that made him a productive collegiate quarterback. Bringing in a fresh voice and a new style of play at the position could jolt the offense out of its predictability. Young quarterbacks who arrive without first-round expectations often bring an edge—a hunger that can energize teammates and spark creativity in play-calling. Even if Brosmer experiences the inevitable rookie growing pains, those snaps could prove more valuable for the franchise’s long-term evaluation than continuing to force development through McCarthy’s struggles.

You can’t really call it ‘struggles’ with McCarthy, it’s regression. He’s been consistently getting worse, not better, not even stagnant, just worse. He’s playing Christian Ponder bad. Matter of fact when you compare statistics through the first six games of both, Ponder is slightly better. You also have to notice J.J.’s confidence is beginning to bottom out. For his own good and future, he needs to be benched. McCarthy is rapidly losing the locker room and so is KOC.

Shifting to Brosmer signals a willingness to make difficult decisions based on performance rather than draft pedigree. Such a move reinforces accountability and can help maintain credibility in the locker room. Players often respond positively when coaches reward performance and effort rather than sticking with a struggling starter out of obligation. Starting Brosmer also allows the front office to assess whether he may be capable of growing into a long-term backup—or even a surprise challenger—for the role McCarthy was drafted to fill.

Finally, there is the question of timeline. If the Vikings realistically recognize that this season has drifted away, the priority should shift from short-term wins to long-term roster building. Starting Brosmer helps the team gather important information: Can he handle NFL reads? How does he perform under pressure? Does he elevate the offense in ways McCarthy currently cannot? These insights matter, especially when entering future drafts, free-agency periods, and quarterback-room planning. The Vikings cannot afford to waste a season without gaining clarity on their young quarterbacks.

In sum, starting Max Brosmer over J.J. McCarthy is an acknowledgement of present realities and an investment in gathering the information the franchise needs for the future. Brosmer offers a fresh perspective, potential stability, and an opportunity to energize a sputtering offense. For a team caught in quarterback purgatory giving Brosmer the starting role represents a logical and strategically sound next step.