Was J.J. McCarthy's rookie year better than Tim Tebow's? Numbers reveal surprising comparisons, challenging perceptions of playmaking versus winning.
It's time to get really honest about what the Minnesota Vikings got from J.J. McCarthy in 2026. It was substandard.
As film gurus pull up the tape from other McCarthy to prove he's actually better than others of his peers, the stats still tell a different story than the highlights. The Vikings were not good enough with McCarthy leading the offense last year. To prove it, let's take a look at how the quarterback compares to another beloved quarterback, former Denver Broncos signal caller Tim Tebow.
J.J. McCarthy (2025): 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 72.6 rating, 6.7 yards per attempt 57.6% completion percentage, 35.6 QBR; 37 carries, 181 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns
Tim Tebow (2011): 1,729 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, six interceptions, 72.9 rating, 6.4 yards per attempt, 46.5% completion percentage, 38.6 QBR; 122 carries, 660 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns
The thought that McCarthy was in the same tier as Tebow may seem laughable to some, but the reality is that in more categories than not, Tebow was the better player in 2011 than McCarthy in 2025.
Tebow rushed for around three times more yards. That much may have been expected. What was not expected was the other categories Tebow outclassed McCarthy.
The former Broncos quarterback threw for more yards, more touchdowns, less interceptions, and a higher quarterback rating and ESPN QBR. The only stat in which McCarthy topped Tebow was completion percentage. To his credit McCarthy did so by a wide margin.
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (15) prepares to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 23-29 in overtime. Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesWhat am I getting at?
Like Tebow and many others, McCarthy can make incredible plays. The Vikings' 2025 starter belongs in the NFL. Yet that doesn't mean you roll with such players as starters indiscriminately.
There was a contingent of Denver Broncos fans who wanted Tebow to continue as the starting quarterback. Despite the sub-50% completion percentage, Tebow actually brought results. Famously, Tebow took down the Pittsburgh Steelers on a slant route to Demaryius Thomas that Thomas took all the way to the end zone. Yet when the Broncos found a better quarterback, they jumped at the opportunity.
There's no telling what Tebow would have accomplished had he been given the opportunity to continue as the Broncos' starting quarterback. We do know what his replacement accomplished.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning would take over for the Broncos. He would go on to set the single season record for passing touchdowns in 2013 before winning a Super Bowl for the Broncos prior to retirement.
What's the takeaway?
Good enough isn't good enough at quarterback. Good enough doesn't win Super Bowls. When you have an opportunity to upgrade you take it.
McCarthy makes plays. He may have a great career ahead of him. But the Vikings can't afford to settle for allowing him to continue as the starter if there are better players right now who could lead the team. The Vikings will look to improve at quarterback over the offseason.