J.J. McCarthy Promises Vikings Fans: ‘We’ll Overcome Setbacks and Reach the Top!’
As the Minnesota Vikings push through a challenging 2025 season, J.J. McCarthy is standing tall, taking full responsibility for the ups and downs, and vowing that the best is yet to come. Despite facing setbacks and growing pains, McCarthy remains confident in the team’s ability to bounce back, lead by his unwavering belief in the squad's potential. In an inspiring message to Vikings fans, McCarthy promised that the team will overcome the hurdles and reach the top, where they belong.

“We’ve faced setbacks, but I know how to bounce back. Every challenge is an opportunity, and I’m ready to lead this team to where we know we belong — at the top,”
The Vikings have had their share of struggles in 2025, with McCarthy himself experiencing the highs and lows of his first season as the starter. Yet despite the occasional misstep, McCarthy's leadership on and off the field has been a driving force for the team.
Overcoming Setbacks: A Team Philosophy
McCarthy’s words reflect a mindset that has been essential to his growth and leadership in Minnesota. After all, his journey to becoming the Vikings' starting quarterback was never linear. From entering the season with questions about his readiness to now facing the responsibility of leading a talented team, McCarthy’s ability to maintain a positive outlook is something the entire roster looks to.
“I know we’ve been through tough moments, but I’m not worried about the past,” McCarthy added. “What matters is how we respond. We’ve got a talented group here, and I believe in every guy in that locker room. We know what we’re capable of, and it’s all about executing together.”
For McCarthy, overcoming setbacks isn’t just about pushing through adversity but about using those moments to fuel improvement. He’s aware that the Vikings are still learning how to play at a championship level, but he’s confident that they have the pieces in place to get there.
A Vision for the Future
McCarthy’s optimism isn’t just empty words — it’s backed by his preparation and work ethic. The quarterback has spent countless hours studying film, improving his timing with his receivers, and leading by example. His chemistry with
But McCarthy isn’t just focused on the offensive side of the ball. He’s also shown respect for the defensive unit led by
Leadership and Accountability
McCarthy’s leadership has been critical to keeping the Vikings motivated through tough times. He’s not the kind of player who shies away from taking responsibility, and he’s made it clear that accountability will be a cornerstone of the team’s growth. For McCarthy, this season is not just about individual success; it’s about getting the whole team to a level where they can consistently compete for championships.
“We’ve got everything we need to be great,” McCarthy said. “It’s about trusting the process and believing in each other. We know we can make a playoff push, and we’ll do whatever it takes to get there. We’ve just got to take it one game at a time.”
The Vikings’ Path to Success
McCarthy’s confidence is contagious. His promise to lead the Vikings to the top is more than just words — it’s a declaration that the team has what it takes to rise above the setbacks and push forward toward their ultimate goal: winning a championship.
As the Vikings enter the second half of the season, McCarthy’s leadership will continue to be a guiding light. His growth as a player and leader will be essential in helping the Vikings navigate the challenges that lie ahead. The road to success won’t be easy, but with McCarthy at the helm, the Vikings are ready to prove that they have what it takes to reach the top.
“We’re going to overcome these setbacks and reach the top where we belong,” McCarthy concluded. “This is just the beginning — the best is yet to come.”
Saints' deadline deal is already looking better than they could have imagined when they got rid of a former first-round pick

The Los Angeles Chargers made a last minute NFL trade deadline deal with the New Orleans Saints earlier this month. In a risky, but hopeful move, they acquired a former first-round selection from the black and gold to try to help protect Justin Herbert. So far, he's not helping fix the issue.

Trevor Penning struggles in debut with Chargers
The former Saint offensive lineman headed to the AFC at the trade deadline in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick. The Chargers desperately needed offensive line help due to injuries, but that addition of Penning may be doing more harm than good so far. He got his first start with the Chargers in Week 11, at left tackle.
In that game, he was the weakest point of a battered group upfront for LA. Penning was the lowest rated offensive player for the Bolts against the Jaguars. He was charted for allowing one sack and five pressures. He was also whistled for two penalties. It was a disaster for the most part, and Penning was replaced in the fourth quarter.
Penning has not played much left tackle since 2023, so this was a bit of a baptism by fire by the Chargers coaching staff. They had seen the struggles of other players at that spot and had to give the newly-acquired former first-round pick a chance. Now, it will be intriguing to see what Penning's role is going forward. The Saints look a bit smart by simply getting anything in exchange for him at the deadline at this point.
Penning on the wrong side of history in his first start at left tackle since 2023. https://t.co/1rdHYWM0uP
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) November 16, 2025
Luke Fortner may be long-term asset for Saints offensive line
Trading for Fortner wasn't directly related to the Penning deal, but it did open up the door a bit more. New Orleans acquired Fortner in the Khalen Saunders trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this year. With Erik McCoy now out for the season due to injury, Fortner has stepped in at center and impressed plenty of people so far.
When it comes to pass blocking, Fortner is ranked third at center in the entire NFL by Pro Football Focus (82.7 PFF grade). His 76.7 overall grade ranks 8th in the league. His play has been rather spotless up to this point for Kellen Moore's team, and that gave them confidence to move on from Penning at the deadline.
The top NFL centers in Week 10, according to PFSN's Player OL Impact Metric ⤵
86.8 | Tanor Bortolini, Colts
83.6 | Drew Dalman, Bears
81.3 | Coleman Shelton, Rams
81.3 | Olu Oluwatimi, Seahawks
81.2 | Luke Fortner, Saints
80.8 | Graham Barton, Buccaneers
79.9 | Jordan Meredith,… pic.twitter.com/2RVf8t0b1D
— PFSN (@PFSN365) November 12, 2025
Only time will tell if Fortner vies for a starting role past this season, but he has started his Saints tenure by leaving quite the impression. With that, it has made fans a lot more comfortable about the future of the OL for New Orleans.