It was a mostly great start for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy on Saturday during his first preseason football game. McCarthy threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns en route to a Vikings’ win. But it wasn’t all perfect for the former Michigan quarterback.
On McCarthy’s first drive for Minnesota, he appeared to stare down his target and was picked off by Raiders’ defensive back Jack Jones.
But, after throwing that first NFL pick, McCarthy was locked in. He would throw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Trishton Jackson and a 33-yard touchdown pass to Trent Sherfield Jr.
Speaking with reporters, McCarthy said that after throwing that interception, he felt relaxed and had fun playing football.
“After that interception, I felt like the nerves just went out the water and I was playing free and having fun again,” McCarthy said.
The 10th overall pick also said it was fun seeing Sam Darnold go out on the first drive and slice up the Raiders’ defense. He complimented Darnold’s performance and said it gave him even more confidence in being able to see Darnold succeed.