By Trevor Squire
Copyright newsweek
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was awarded for a historic comeback effort over the Chicago Bears in his debut, but it came to the dismay of many NFL fans.The first player to score three touchdowns in the fourth quarter of their NFL debut, McCarthy led an 11-point comeback victory over the Bears on “Monday Night Football.” He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week by the league on Wednesday.It was a Herculean effort from the 22-year-old quarterback who turned around an otherwise troubling start. The Vikings offense mustered just 122 yards through the first three quarters, and McCarthy threw a pick-six late in the third quarter that almost buried his team entering the final quarter.That led many fans on social media to argue that McCarthy’s entire performance did not warrant the award.”Giving awards for one good quarter of ball LMAO,” one fan wrote.”143 passing yards gets you player of the week damn,” another fan said.”Suck it QBs who took care of the football enough to not need a miracle. The nfl isn’t interested in selling you right now,” a third fan replied in jest.”Love JJ but Egbuka got robbed big time,” one fan argued, pleading his case for Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Emeka Egbuka, who tallied four receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winner with 59 seconds left in regulation of a 23-20 win over the Atlanta Falcons.Egbuka is arguably the next most deserving player, given his impressive stat line and clutch touchdown to close the game. Baker Mayfield also matched McCarthy’s three touchdowns but also had a tough day, completing 17 of 32 pass attempts for just 167 yards total.Read more: Bears’ Caleb Williams Sends Clear Message on Vikings, JJ McCarthy RivalryMcCarthy finished 13-for-20 for 143 yards, two passing touchdowns, an interception and a rushing touchdown.The context clearly mattered in McCarthy’s claim for the award. Had the Vikings not dug themselves into a rut for three quarters, it wouldn’t have ever happened. However, McCarthy’s final stat line would have also looked better and lent itself to consideration in a modest week for NFC quarterbacks.Read more: Vikings Receive Brutal Injury Update on Key StarterNo other NFC quarterback besides McCarthy and Mayfield totaled three touchdowns. While McCarthy did not put forth a productive outing, his 98.5 passer rating ranked fifth in the conference, coinciding with a clutch fourth-quarter performance.For more on the Vikings and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
