Vikings fans can’t ignore this terrifying 2025 possibility

There is a lot of optimism about the upcoming season for the Minnesota Vikings. After winning 14 games last season, the team focused on reinforcing the offensive line and the defensive front while preparing for the first career regular-season start for quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy is the biggest wild card on the roster. The team made sure to surround him with support and weapons this season, but that's not a guarantee that he will succeed now that it's his opportunity to shine.

Although fans and experts know the Vikings will look different in 2025, it is difficult to predict how the offense will look and what kind of results head coach Kevin O'Connell can get out of his players after being named Coach of the Year last year.

It's hard to ignore a nightmare scenario for the Minnesota Vikings

The toughest question to ask as a Minnesota Vikings fan this year is this: What if J.J. McCarthy isn't good? The team allowed Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold, and Daniel Jones to all leave in free agency and pushed their chips all-in on McCarthy to be the guy.

In a recent Bleacher Report article published by Brad Gagnon, the nightmare scenario for every team was listed, and it wasn't shocking that Minnesota's involves their young quarterback.

"McCarthy bombs in his maiden season as starter while Sam Darnold excels as "the one that got away" in Seattle."

Brad Gagnon - Bleacher Report

It would have been easy to go back to Sam Darnold after his comeback season in 2024. McCarthy could have continued sitting behind him and learning while the Vikings didn't shake up the offense too much for the upcoming year.

However, that's not the kind of team that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is putting together in Minnesota. Darnold and Cousins were safe options that provided a high floor, but may have already reached their ceilings.

Having a general manager who sticks with his vision and supports the player he drafted in the first round is refreshing after too many years of thinking the Vikings are one piece away from something special and trying to run it back.

While it would be a nightmare if McCarthy doesn't pan out and Darnold thrives, the Minnesota Vikings moved forward with their plan and have the guy they believe in prepared to start at quarterback during the 2025 NFL season.

Let's hope this nightmare scenario doesn't become reality.