Former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy made his NFL Preseason debut Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
McCarthy entered the game on the 2nd drive of the game, and immediately showed why the Vikings took him with the 10th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
McCarthy hit former Michigan State WR Jalen Nailor for an 18 yard game on his first career pass in the preseason. McCarthy showed pocket awareness as he went through his progressions before hitting an open Nailor.
The excitement did last too long however, as later in the drive while trying to extend a 3rd and 9, McCarthy threw an interception.
McCarthy was unreal on 3rd and long last season for Michigan. On this play it looked like he didn't lead his receiver enough to make the play, but McCarthy is going to have to adjust in the NFL and be willing to throw the ball away in some cases.
In typical McCarthy fashion, he was unfazed and bounced back in a big way.
McCarthy settled down after the INT, going 5/7 for 59 yards to finish the first half. JJ even flashed his scrambling skills with two 9 yard scrambles.
McCarthy got the Vikings into field goal range, but former Alabama kicker Will Reichard had his 36 yard attempt blocked.
McCarthy came out to start the 2nd half. After a 3rd and 9 conversion to get Minnesota the first down and into Las Vegas territory, JJ showed off his arm on a 45-yard touchdown pass.
They said the kid couldn't throw the deep ball.
McCarthy came back on the Viking's next possession. After converting a 4th and 2, JJ did it again with a 33 yard touchdown on play action.
McCarty's day was over, going 11/17 for 188 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception, adding 18 yards on 2 carries.
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