BB.Shocking Warning from Ex-MVP: Cam Newton ‘Exposes’ Harsh Truth About JJ McCarthy’s Future After 2 Games and 3 Interceptions

The Minnesota Vikings’ second-year quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, has had a rocky start to his NFL journey, and the scrutiny is already piling on. After earning the starting role for the 2025 season, McCarthy’s campaign was derailed by a high ankle sprain that sidelined him after just two games. Now, as he prepares to miss the Vikings’ Week 5 clash against the Cleveland Browns, a former NFL superstar has issued a bold and biting critique of the young quarterback’s potential.

Cam Newton, the electrifying former MVP who once dominated the league with the Carolina Panthers, didn’t hold back when discussing McCarthy on his 4th and 1 Show. In a conversation centered on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Newton dropped a bombshell comparison that sent shockwaves through the NFL community. “When I saw JJ McCarthy top 10… I said ‘Shedeur is better than JJ McCarthy today,’” Newton declared. The comment wasn’t just praise for Sanders—it was a direct jab at McCarthy, essentially relegating the Vikings’ starter to the level of a third-string quarterback in Newton’s eyes.

McCarthy’s early performances have been a mixed bag, showing glimpses of brilliance but also exposing his inexperience. In his first two starts of 2025, the 22-year-old completed 24 of 41 passes for 301 yards, throwing two touchdowns but also three costly interceptions. On the ground, he added 50 yards and a touchdown, flashing the dual-threat ability that made him a first-round pick. Yet, those flashes of potential have been overshadowed by moments where he looked overwhelmed, struggling to adapt to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses.

Newton’s harsh assessment isn’t the only challenge McCarthy faces. With his injury keeping him out for another week, questions about his readiness and long-term fit with the Vikings are growing louder. The young quarterback’s limited sample size leaves plenty of uncertainty about what he can become. Is he the franchise cornerstone Minnesota hopes for, or will his early struggles define his career?

Despite the criticism, there’s reason for optimism in Minnesota. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings’ staff remain steadfast in their belief in McCarthy’s potential. His raw arm talent and athleticism are undeniable, and at just 22, he has plenty of time to grow. The NFL is full of stories of young quarterbacks who faced early adversity only to emerge as stars, and McCarthy could follow that path.

Newton’s comments, while stinging, might just be the spark McCarthy needs. A chip on the shoulder can be a powerful motivator, and if McCarthy can channel this criticism into growth, it could fuel a breakout performance when he returns. For now, the Vikings and their fans are left waiting to see if their young quarterback can silence the doubters and prove he’s more than a flash in the pan.