Quarterback Mastery: Vikings’ McCarthy and Darnold Flourish Under the Tutelage of Coach McCown
In EAGAN, Minn., Josh McCown still finds himself reminded of a pivotal moment from 21 years ago that left an indelible mark on Minnesota Vikings history. Even now, encounters in the airport prompt strangers to welcome him to Minnesota before recalling the memorable play that altered playoff fortunes. McCown, reflecting on his career, acknowledges the rarity of such impactful moments amidst the multitude of plays, recognizing it as one of the highlights.
As a quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals in 2003, McCown orchestrated a game-winning touchdown in the closing moments of the regular season, dashing the Vikings’ playoff hopes with a remarkable 28-yard pass to receiver Nate Poole. This pivotal play not only marked McCown’s inaugural victory as a starter but also served as a catalyst for his playing career, which spanned an additional 17 years.
The twist of fate sees McCown embarking on a coaching journey in Minnesota, where he now serves as quarterbacks coach, entrusted with nurturing rookie J.J. McCarthy and refining the skills of likely Week 1 starter Sam Darnold. With a career that traversed numerous NFL teams and offensive schemes, McCown is uniquely positioned to empathize with the challenges faced by both Vikings quarterbacks.
Coach Kevin O’Connell lauds McCown’s communication skills, shaped by his extensive playing experience, highlighting his ability to impart valuable insights and facilitate understanding among players. This approach was evident during rookie minicamp when McCown drew from personal experience to illustrate the risks and consequences of certain plays, fostering a culture of learning from mistakes to avoid setbacks.
McCarthy, having enjoyed success at Michigan, appreciates McCown’s candidness about his own past errors, recognizing the invaluable lessons derived from such honesty.
McCown’s coaching responsibilities extend beyond McCarthy to include Darnold, with whom he shares a unique bond from their time together on the New York Jets. Despite their disparate ages, McCown assumed a mentorship role, imparting wisdom gleaned from his extensive career to facilitate Darnold’s growth.
Observing Darnold’s development, McCown acknowledges the maturity and growth in his former teammate, a testament to his receptiveness to learning.
Having transitioned from player to coach, McCown’s coaching philosophy draws upon his rich football experiences, embracing both successes and failures as teachable moments. His tenure with the Panthers last year provided a foundation for his coaching acumen, with 2024 marking his first full season as an NFL assistant.
McCown’s coaching ethos emphasizes leveraging personal experiences to guide players, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and resilience. As he imparts lessons learned from luminaries like Kurt Warner and Jake Delhomme, McCown aims to instill in his charges the importance of adaptability and perseverance in navigating the complexities of the game.
