The Minnesota Vikings are betting on J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson leading the charge offensively. As a result, this training camp and preseason are all about the two forming chemistry.
Regardless of who has been under center for Minnesota, the 26-year-old has recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in five straight seasons since entering the NFL in 2020. Moreover, Jefferson has recorded seven or more touchdowns in four of the five seasons.
Ahead of Week 1, the question is how they are coming along in their chemistry with one more preseason contest before the games start to count.
Vikings' Kein O'Connell talks chemistry
While speaking to Kay Adams on "Up & Adams," Vikings head coach Kein O'Connell shared his thoughts on where the chemistry between these two building blocks is coming along.
"I've seen enough to know that Justin Jefferson is still the best receiver in the league, and I know No. 9 likes throwing to him," O'Connell said. "They put in a lot of work in the offseason, and even in the summer when they're on their own, they're meeting up at a high school somewhere locally here.
"[McCarthy] went down to Nashville to throw with T. J. [Hockenson] and Josh Oliver and some of our other receivers down there. He was searching those guys out to try to get those reps as much as possible. But there are some players that can transcend the volume of reps you need with a guy, and No. 18 is certainly one of them."
MORE: NBC Sports insider speculates on Vikings bringing back familiar face
The Vikings made a big call this offseason, turning the franchise over to McCarthy after letting Sam Darnold leave in free agency. If Minnesota are going to win 10-plus games and make the playoffs again, their chances may hinge on the connection that McCarthy and Jefferson have this season for the Vikings.