Scoggins: J.J. McCarthy feeling ‘super clean’ in likely lone appearance of Vikings preseason

J.J. McCarthy’s day began with tears and ended with smiles. Being back on a football field, healthy again, hearing the national anthem before kickoff caused his emotions to pour out.

“This game is the best game in the world,” he said, “and to be out there with this kind of group and this coaching staff was absolutely terrific.”

McCarthy made his preseason debut Saturday as the Vikings’ starting quarterback exactly one day shy of a full year since he suffered a knee injury that ended his rookie season.

The timing brought reflections about the long road he traveled in his recovery. The joy of completing that comeback was evident on his face after turning into a solid first impression in a 20-10 win over the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium.

“Unbelievable,” he said.

McCarthy’s outing lasted one series in what most likely will be his only appearance in the preseason. The beginning of what the Vikings hope is a long marriage did nothing to dampen excitement for his arrival. McCarthy led the first-team offense, minus a few starters, on a 13-play drive that ended with a field goal.

“There’s just a level of composure and poise to how he ran the show that was exactly what I was looking for,” coach Kevin O’Connell said.

He faced three third downs, one fourth down and was forced to scramble to elude pressure on a blitz. O’Connell also had to be pleased that the opening drive featured no penalties, sacks or turnovers. The operation looked smooth and organized with his new quarterback at the controls.

“It felt super clean,” McCarthy said.

He finished with four completions in seven attempts for 30 yards, and one rush for 8 yards. Three veteran starters — Justin Jefferson, Christian Darrisaw and Aaron Jones — didn’t suit up, but McCarthy had four-fifths of his offensive line protecting him.

McCarthy’s chemistry with receiver Jordan Addison has been particularly noticeable throughout offseason workouts and training camp, and that continued in the game. They connected on three completions for 33 yards, including an 18-yard gain on a diving grab by Addison.

The outing wasn’t without hiccups. McCarthy missed high on a throw to Lucky Jackson when he rushed his timing. He had a pass batted down at the line. A third-down pass to running back Jordan Mason was high and not completed.

On fourth-and-4, he felt pressure and ran around the right edge for an 8-yard gain.

Asked earlier this week about his comfort level as a runner, McCarthy replied, “extremely comfortable.”

“I almost wish you didn’t ask that because I would like to keep it on the low,” he said, smiling. “I think that’s a huge part of my game. It’s a weapon in this league, and you kind of have to have it as a quarterback with these edge rushers and the different pressure looks and stuff like that. You’ve got to be able to help [O’Connell] out if a play call isn’t a certain way versus a certain look.”

The trick is knowing when to run and when to hang in the pocket a millisecond longer to give receivers a little more time to get open. That awareness will come with experience.

O’Connell noted that McCarthy can “flat-out go” when he pulls the ball and runs, but there is more nuance to it. O’Connell referenced a play in camp in which McCarthy got fooled by the schematic look presented by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, allowing linebacker Jonathan Greenard to blow up the play by chasing him down at the line.

Saturday was another step in that process, and an important one. McCarthy wiped tears from his eyes as he waited to take the field. He was back doing something he loves.