Daily Norseman on J.J. McCarthy
From the article
McCarthy, the highest-drafted quarterback in franchise history, has fans wincing. After a 13-3 loss to the Ravens, Dave didn't mince words: "I think he's regressed." Darren agreed, noting "the ruthless consistency that you need to be an NFL quarterback… is just not there with J.J. McCarthy at this point in time." The same issues that plagued McCarthy in 2025 — inaccuracy, poor ball placement, shaky pocket presence — were on full display again. Dave admitted, "He flashes at times and that gets you all excited, and then he reverts," before delivering the gut punch: "I'm off his train."
STACKED’s take
McCarthy shows Year 3 regression with persistent accuracy and pocket presence issues; analysts off the train.
McCarthy, the highest-drafted quarterback in franchise history, has shown regression in preseason play. The same issues that plagued him in 2025—inaccuracy, poor ball placement, and shaky pocket presence—persisted in the Ravens game. Dave Stefano stated "I think he's regressed" and "He flashes at times and that gets you all excited, and then he reverts," before declaring "I'm off his train." Darren Campbell noted "the ruthless consistency that you need to be an NFL quarterback… is just not there with J.J. McCarthy at this point in time" and expressed greater confidence in Carson Wentz as the backup. Dave even floated a hypothetical one-for-one trade to the Colts for Anthony Richardson, suggesting both former first-rounders need a fresh start.
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