Busting Myths About J.J. McCarthy With Thor Nystrom

There are a lot of silly narratives floating around about J.J. McCarthy. I decided to talk to his biggest stan, draft writer Thor Nystrom, and see if we can't shake ourselves back into reality.
WANT MORE DAILY MINNESOTA VIKINGS CONTENT?
Join me on Patreon! / lukebraunnfl
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 link.chtbl.com/LOVikings?sid=...
Locked On NFL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft & More
🎧 linktr.ee/LockedOnNFL
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Monopoly GO!
Game off! We gotta talk more about MONOPOLY GO! This fast paced game let’syou team up with friends for tournaments to unlock awesome prizes like,Unique stickers for trading,- Cool playing pieces,- And hilarious emojis for taunting your friends. So download MONOPOLY GO! now free on Google Play or the App store.Game on!
eBay Motors
For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS - with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Follow the show: @LockedOnVikings
Follow the host: @LukeBraunNFL
Join the discord community: linktr.ee/LukeBraunNFL
Submit Twitter Tuesday questions: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
Sub on KZbin! / @lockedonvikings

[@phaetonevl]

ladies, get you a man that loves you like thor loves JJ

[@robertharrie4513]

😂😂😂

[@mtredeker7294]

You are VERY LOW!!! If you are insinuating that JJ is gay! He is engaged to a beautiful girl!!! You jealous??? Why do people talk this rude garbage you think it makes you look cool? It doesn’t it makes you look RUDE and OBNOXIOUS GOSSIPER!!! Lord speak to this man’s heart and anyone that thinks he is funny! He is trying to destroy your child and we know that you say you will take care of them so we leave him in your hands LORD!!! Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans. 12:17-19

[@Sean-ki6qi]

Luke's like "couldn't you see a world where the Vikings bottom out and wait and get McCarthy in the 2nd round? How stoked would you be?" and you can see Thor thinking "what a stupid question.." lol.

[@dirtlord358]

insanely weird question

[@robe2504]

Great to hear Thor's enthusiasm and all the info he had to support his opinions. It's a nice change to hear another Vikes fan (i.e. like you) with actual reasoned opinions.

[@DavidJohnson-lx4po]

And, as was pointed out on another podcast, J.J. M. can outrun a stadium security guard. Unlike our last guy.

[@wildwillie5408]

Cousins didnt even get to run alot. He doesn't process what's happening fast enough. You can see the split second of indecision and then its too late. JJ at least seems to have good pocket presence and the abilty to move around and play off schedule

[@robertharrie4513]

Thor wearing a Hawkeyes hat makes us question your ability to evaluate offensive talent especially quarterbacks 😂😂 All kidding aside, I think your evaluation of JJ is correct.

[@DerrickRG]

He did say he'd draft their punter because he was their entire offense, which isn't a bad take lol.

[@tim4cn759]

JJ has the most natural Talent of any quarterback the vikings have ever had... this kid at his peak is going beast mode 😤

[@colincoppola3438]

You guys got a good one in JJ guy is going thrive there the critics will be so wrong about this guy!

[@robe2504]

I watched Latu highlights and Murphy is often there making the sacks and pressures right there with Latu. Murphy moved all over the line including the middle too. Flores loves versatility.

[@farriskhan2352]

I believe that JJ will be the best QB in this draft. His only "negative" is that Michigan went 27-1 as JJ as their starter and somehow, some people think that is bad. REMINDER: Michigan is not a dynasty. They just won their first title in 26 years and JJ was a big part of that title.

[@Sleezygem]

I disagree. I do think 3 qbs will be successful from this draft however and it’s maye, Williams, penix.

[@josiahdire7984]

​@Sleezygem Nobody care what you think.

[@Sleezygem]

@@josiahdire7984 you’re what’s wrong with America if people don’t agree with you then you don’t care about others opinions

[@robe2504]

@@Sleezygem Why?

[@robe2504]

@@Sleezygem No, one of the problems with USA is that everyone feels entitled to their opinion being valid or important, without the burden of providing any reasoning or having any knowledge or expertise on the subject.

[@tomhardy4820]

Killer episode! Thor is a clutch hotshot.

[@nortonbrandon6176]

THOR!!!!! Always enjoy your breakdowns. Can't wait to see your perception of JJ come to forishion

[@jeffersonian4]

Really good argument from Thor about the objective cost of McCarthy vs Maye. I was originally hoping for Maye, but man, really good argument. From pure analytics, yes, JJ was a way better selection. I've been saying for a long time that the Vikings should have been drafting more QB's more often, just as lower 1st/early 2nd round picks (i.e. looking to nab someone like Lamar Jackson). You are likely to miss on several of those, but eventually you've got to get a hit. But you let the pick fall to you instead of taking such huge risks when it's obvs no one knows how to predict success for NFL QB's. The approach taken with McCarthy (mostly) does this, where we basically took McCarthy where he fell to us. If he doesn't work out, it isn't crippling, since we didn't trade away our future.

[@ricklong3260]

I just re-watched the superbowl. ..48er defense kept them in the game.....bflo will get it done!!

[@craigsiegrist6120]

Great. Show guys thank you

[@tommygreenthumbs]

My man Thor!!

[@Liberty-rn4wy]

"The eyes of McCarthy are always downfield." That sounds great, as with Kirk, as soon as the pocket started to break down he would have his eyes down.

[@SamuelStMarie]

Butsing myths! 😂

[@robertharrie4513]

Is that when the myths are ass?😂😂

[@LockedOnVikings]

Butsing

[@charlestaylor4441]

You didn't copy off of him in spelling class.

[@purpleprideftw757]

I would swear Thor is secretly JJ's agent

[@Liberty-rn4wy]

Good analysis by Thor.

[@scottdewitt-on7ui]

He took his high school in Illinois to two state championships won one 26-2 record transferred to IMG and went 8-0 won high school natty Goes to Michigan went 27-1 only loss being a playoff semifinal so hes only lost 3 games in his life 61-3 with a Illinois state championship a high school natty and a college championship natty. It was Mc Carthy that got Michigan over the hump making plays when he needed to. Dudes a winner and I'm not a Vikings fan but I'll watch his games to see how he does.

[@ricklong3260]

How high is jj's ceiling?? How much can Darnold improve with all the talent around him????😮

[@robe2504]

I think Darnold will keep JJ on the bench all season, and even create a difficult decision in 2025. Darnold ran the 49ers offence very effectively in week 16 vs the Ravens and week 18 vs the Rams.

[@daviddidder3781]

JJ reminds me of Montana. He just has to work on Joe’s greatest tip on playing QB…. “I throw balloons at darts, not darts at balloons”. #mindblowingtip

[@Selling-McCarthyism]

27:07, Luke, Nystrom is right. Yes, the draft process has Richter as an edge (like he played his final year in college) but his first 3 years he alternated as a backup linebacker and safety. He was moved to edge because of a roster deficiency at Air Force. I think he makes it because he has skills Gant simply does not have due to his versatile experience. Gant really only makes it if he shows he's better than the ST specialist Thompson. Richter has film and experience on the field as an LB/S/Edge. Gant is a special teamer. And unless he can show he can play in his natural defense position, he won't be able to make it.

[@robe2504]

The folks critiquing JJs arm strength just haven't seen him throw or didn't watch the Combine. All JJs 2023 plays on the link below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHKnaISsa7GpgKs

[@jweezy2912]

I don't see it with JJ

[@BloodySoup74]

Might wanna fix the title in the photo lol

[@JohnKan-uo7ne]

When will you interview the announced QB1, Sam Donald? Please put Drake Maye to the rear view mirror.

[@vikingjerome2438]

All McCarthy does is win baby... that's all it counts🏆!!! Skol 🙏Vikes 2024💜

[@Win7ermu7e]

@@TheHEAVYDAN dumbest comparison I've seen yet.

[@trentaston3784]

As always

[@tayloredrealtyteam7390]

I don’t Trust Thor’s opinions… I don’t get it. Looking up his previous draft boards. Bryce young he had #1. He had Quentin Johnston as the #1 WR His 22’ draft board he had Malik Willis as the #1 player 🤦

[@user-mp6dl7wc9z]

1. "School was dominant he did not have to pass." Lots of QBs played at dominant schools with dominant running games and guess what those QBs did? THEY STILL PASSED THE BALL A LOT! That's a red flag excuse. 2. "Him not being asked to pass doesn't mean he cannot pass." True but it ALSO does not mean he CAN pass either. It works both ways. In fact the it is worse for him in the sense that not doing a thing makes it more probable you can't do it lol. Another red flag excuse. 3. "Look how much he won in College lost 1 game." Wins and Losses are not a QB stat. Mahomes was 13-16 in College. KIrk was 28-12 in college won a Bowl Game over Georgia he won 2 Big 10 Chips & beat Michigan every year. Tebow won 2 Chips in College how'd that transfer over. 4. Wins and Losses are not a QB stat. Stafford was .452 in DET 0 playoff wins in 3 tries in 12 years AND LA traded high picks and QB who was .609 in LA with 3 playoff wins and a SB trip where they barely lost in just 5 years. Why did LA make this trade? Because Wins and Losses are a TEAM stat not a QB stat.

[@glennpelton4887]

First off, no Michigan QB throws a lot. Ever! Michigan will run the ball even when they aren't all that dominant. Shit use to drive me crazy. Too damn conservative. You act like this is something new. They historically want to eat clock, wear down the opposing offense, keep their defense off the field, keep opposing offense off the field. It made sense this year because of the defense and having a dynamic QB who could make plays in critical moments. (Bama, OSU, TCU). Intangibles are what makes winners. J.J. has all the intangibles needed to be a successful QB in the league. He had to pass on third and long all year due to a run game that averaged only 169 per game. Don't know where ya'll get this he only handed the ball off stuff. Michigan fans were concerned about the run game all season. J.J. constantly got his team in good field position all year. Of Corum's 26 TDs 22 were from inside the six. They didn't hand the ball off to get down there J.J. only played just over two quarters until Penn State. He averaged 16 yards per completion when it was 3rd and plus 10 yards to go. 14 yards per completion when it was 3rd and 7-9 yards to go. Michigan went 27 and 1 under J.J.'s leadership because he is an old school Alpha male, who is ultra-competitive, confident, money in the clutch, tough as nails, team-oriented, eats, sleeps, and breathes football, and is obsessed with being great. Sounds like Brady don't it. By the way. He has more pass attempts than Harbaugh and Brady.

[@user-mp6dl7wc9z]

@@glennpelton4887 I was going to read what you said but then you attributed WINs to QB that shows you know nothing about sports didn't have to read the nonsense you wrote. Wins are not a QB stat Mahomes 13-16 bye dummy

[@user-mp6dl7wc9z]

Vikings fans have a history of liking failure over success They loved Spielman and then Kwesi but hated Denny Green and they even turned on Moss and Tarkenton. They love JJ and Bridgewater and Keenum but they hated Kirk. They thought Mattison was going to be a 1st round Starting NFL quality RB. I am a 50 years Vikings fan we have the MOST CLUELESS and WORST fanbase in the NFL. 80 percent of 1st round QBs bust which is the MOST likely bust out of the several that will bust this class maybe the one who did the least passing lol. PS Thor never catches any heat for all his terrible picks there is no accountability for him. People forget and have them on their shows next year lololol.

[@John-cw2dy]

I agree that getting a top 5 quarterback and one, if not the best defender in the first round while keeping next year’s first round pick is top notch, but Thor’s high praise analysis of JJ is mostly valuably if he starts week one. If he sits then that advantage goes out the window because the other top six would be able to catch up to KOC’s offense, but with more proven overall arm talent (except Nix). Maybe JJ will be great, but all he has shown is that he’s a great kid and a good game manager-but he has never had to face real adversity/ had to carry his team-so he is an unknown in that way. I think guys like Thor are enamored with the kid’s charisma and can’t help but project greatness. I think he’ll be a fine game manager. Maybe if the Vikings put together THAT team, that is all we’ll need. But I need to see greatness consistently in JJ in order to believe he’s special as a player. Maybe all he needs is a chance, but I haven’t seen it in him yet.

[@robe2504]

Not necessarily. It just means that JJ will be very well prepared when he does come in, like Mahomes and Love, and probably avoids the down season that has hurt Bryce Young, Trevor Lawrence and destroyed lesser players like Zach Wilson.

[@user-mp6dl7wc9z]

Do not listen to Thor he lives in his moms basement with his sister he has admitted his expertise on players comes from a PFF subscription in other words ANYONE CAN DO WHAT HE DOES just buy a PFF subscription he is a nobody who is wrong all the time Remember When He said Malik Willis should be a 1st round pick, or Vikings should draft Quention Johnstone he'd be a perfect fit for MIN offense or that Bryce Young was better than CJ Stroud. If he loves JJ be afraid very afraid.

[@kingofallmediums2123]

😲 😲 😲 😲 😲 😅😅😅😅😅

[@dankofdaday]

this guy is a dip with that alternate universe take smh

[@richarddean3154]

My concerns regarding McCarthy are two-fold. First, he is in the same boat as many other college quarterbacks that had excellent win/loss records but were mostly "contributors" to their team, rather than the reason they were so successful. Secondly, his arm is only average. In the NFL, an average arm is a liability. KOC recently used three plays to highlight McCarthy's QB prowess. The second of these plays was an obvious under throw that would have been intercepted if not for a bad play on part of the DB. Not exactly a rousing endorsement.

[@77racing71]

u are so wrong...his arm is not an issue

[@richarddean3154]

@@77racing71 His arm is average. In the NFL today, an average arm is an issue. In the NFL, people aren't wide open like they are in college and the throwing windows narrow rapidly. Show me an average-armed NFL quarterback that has won Super Bowls in the modern era, and I'll show you a "contributor" like JJ.

[@glennpelton4887]

Not a contributor. The main reason why they won. Michigan hasn't had a dynamic QB in a minute. This is why Michigan couldn't get over the OSU hump. They needed someone with that it factor. J.J. was able to get Michigan out of 3rd and 10 plus yards to go 17 out of 22 times for 278 yards with 4 TDs, 0 INTs, and averaged 16 yards per completion. On 3rd and 7-9 yards to go he was 19 of 27 for 266 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, and averaged 14 yards per completion. Meanwhile the run game (169 yards per game) and O-Line was not as good as the previous two years, hence the numerous 3rd and longs. Remember Alabama? J.J. was 17 of 27 for 221 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 1 sack, and 25 yards rushing in 3 carries. And this was with Alabama all over his ass all day just like Michigan was on Penix, except J.J. could handle the pressure and still makes plays. 10 of his completions were first downs. Meanwhile the run game had 108 yards rushing on 30 carries and 1 TD. Without J.J. they don't get past OSU let alone Alabama.

[@glennpelton4887]

If you're a Viking fan get ready. Ya'll "bout to kick some ass" By the way, all Michigan QB's just hand the ball off. That ain't nothing new. He had more pass attempt than Harbaugh and Brady. Michigan has never turned their QB's loose. Their job is to make plans in the clutch.

[@richarddean3154]

@@glennpelton4887 You make a very strong case for JJ. I will defer to your judgement and wait for him to lead the Vikings to the Super Bowl. Thankfully, he won't need a running game or defense, as he carried Michigan in its national championship game with his 140 yards on 10 of 18 passing and zero touchdowns. The Michigan running game hardly showed up - only 303 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. The Michigan defense was nowhere to be found - only two interceptions, one sack, and holding the Washington offense to only 301 total yards, 46 rushing, and 13 points. Yeah, JJ did it all.

[@riverrat8693]

I don't care how good he is he's destined for failure with Turdbury and our guards.

[@robe2504]

What a happy camper. Do you even know who the Vikes OGs are? Ingram is fine, and if Brandel holds out Rouse - that line will be fine. They are not protecting a statue anymore. The Atlanta O Line might soon discover how hard that is.

[@riverrat8693]

@@robe2504 you're an idiot. I know every single player and have for decades. I've been following this team religiouslly since 1985 and no Ingram isn't fine. He's barely adequate at times but he routinely gets blown up as does Bradbury. They are almost okay in pass pro but absolutely suck at opening up holes in the run game. Yet they try and use the RBs as scapegoats. That's exactly how Risner was as well. Decent in pass pro but utter garbage in run blocking. Brandel is a complete unknown. He wasn't good enough to beat out Risner last year, we do know that, and Risners below average. Furthermore the depth is pathetic. Everyone knows that interior pressure with little to no running game is a recipe for disaster for any QB let alone a rookie trying to develop. They need to have him sit this year then get the best free agent center and guard in next years FA.