J.J. McCarthy draws JaMarcus Russell comparison after alarming data reveals depth of Vikings quarterback struggles

J.J. McCarthy is facing a very hard beginning to his NFL life, and new numbers released this week have put even more pressure on the Minnesota Vikings quarterback. J.J. McCarthy missed all of his rookie year in 2024 because of an injury, and his return in 2025 has been difficult from the opening week. On Monday, NFL analyst Anthony Amico shared fresh data on X that shows J.J. McCarthy is now ranked near the bottom in EPA per dropback among all qualified quarterbacks since the year 2000. Only JaMarcus Russell, the former first overall pick from 2007, is ranked lower than him.

J.J. McCarthy struggles draw comparison to JaMarcus Russell’s historic decline

Anthony Amico posted the updated numbers on Monday, saying, “J.J. McCarthy now ranks 851 out of 852 in EPA per dropback since 2000.” The only passer below him is JaMarcus Russell, who is known across the league as one of the biggest draft disappointments of all time. 

JaMarcus Russell finished his three-year career with 4,803 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions in 31 games.

J.J. McCarthy now ranks 851 out of 852 in EPA per Dropback among qualified passers since 2000, per Tru Media. The only player below McCarthy is JaMarcus Russell.

h/t @Danny_Heifetz on that other website

— Anthony Amico (@amicsta) November 24, 2025

J.J. McCarthy was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings after leading the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship, but he has not been able to repeat that strong college form in the NFL. 

Through Week 12 of the 2025 season, he has thrown for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. 

He has also struggled to build a smooth connection with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who has been a key target for every Vikings quarterback for years.

Though the combination of injuries and turnovers has slowed his advancement, the Vikings hoped J.J. McCarthy would make a big leap this year. His first statistics have put him in JaMarcus Russell’s class, therefore highlighting the magnitude of the work before him.

J.J. McCarthy enters concussion protocol before Week 13 matchup

After the Minnesota Vikings came from their game in Green Bay on Sunday night, J.J. McCarthy stated symptoms of concussion during the journey home. 

ESPN says he was immediately put in concussion protocol and is now most likely going to miss the Week 13 game versus the Seattle Seahawks. This is his season’s third injury. 

McCarthy first sprained his right ankle in Week 2. He subsequently injured his right hand in Week 10. After his concussion in Week 12, his eligibility for the upcoming game is now doubtful. 

Before deciding on his status, the medical staff of the Minnesota Vikings will conduct further testing this week. In Minneapolis on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, the Minnesota Vikings will face the Seattle Seahawks.