After Vikings QB Sam Darnold’s Meltdown During Rams Game, J.J. McCarthy Makes Intriguing Post About ‘Fate’

The Minnesota Vikings began the 2024 season with an ambiguous quarterback situation, centered around journeyman Sam Darnold on a one-year deal and the newly-drafted J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy tore his meniscus in the preseason and missed the entire season in recovery, forcing Darnold into the starting position – a spot where he flourished for most of the season. He threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions, posting a 102.5 passer rating, and most importantly led Minnesota to a 14-3 record.

In the Vikings’ single playoff game, though, Darnold was less than stellar, posting a passer rating of 77.6 and a QBR of just 13.6 as he got sacked nine times. The Vikings got crushed by the 10-7 Los Angeles Rams, 27-9. And just like that, decisions about the quarterback slot became the team’s most pressing issue.

After Darnold’s postseason performance, it seems more likely than ever that Minnesota will move on. It was never viable to retain both quarterbacks, not least because McCarthy’s rookie contract would likely expire before a longer contract, like Darnold would likely seek. Then again, that same performance means Darnold will likely be millions cheaper than anticipated and may even appear on another short prove-it deal.

While nothing is certain yet, McCarthy did make an ambiguous X post on Monday: “Amor fati.”

The expression is literally translated to “love of fate,” and often implies acceptance of all experiences, good or bad, as opportunities for growth.

As the Vikings move toward next season, the spotlight creeps ever more onto McCarthy as the presumptive next starting quarterback. Whether his post refers to an injury, the team’s loss, or a general worldview, the team hopes he’ll be able to harness those experiences to become a stellar long-term starting quarterback.