There is a narrative building around Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy concerning his arm strength. It’s been perpetuating since his NFL Draft process and was elevated on Wednesday when Colin Cowherd went off on about his lack of an elite trait.

It’s quite a puzzling discussion right now. McCarthy is a really good talent, and his arm was one of the strongest in the history of the NFL Scouting Combine.

J.J. McCarthy talks about his arm strength

With all the discussion about his arm strength, it was just a matter of time before McCarthy himself was asked about it.

“I would say, a lot of it just comes with the stigma of playing at Michigan, and not throwing the ball a lot. But at the same time, it could be my frame. And you know, they don’t see a 6’5, 240 guy. So how can you throw at 61 miles an hour at the combine and all that, but at the end of the day, you know it’s going to show up. And you know, the people that know know, and yeah, I think it’s just the situations I’ve been in and maybe not passing the eye test.”

It’s frustrating that it’s gotten to this point at all. It’s obvious watching his film that McCarthy has a whip across the middle of the field and can throw it with distance down the field.

One thing that McCarthy was asked when it came to his arm talent is being able to take a little off the ball. He agreed when asked if touch was the biggest thing he has to work on.

“I would say so for me personally, yeah, that’s a great evaluation. You know, it just comes with the reps on reps and the feel just like you’re working on your chips in a golf game. You know, just finding that feel over and over again, and having this much time off and not throwing the ball since the injury. I just finding that feel again. And, you know, it’s just an ultimate blessing that I get to get out here and, you know, take advantage of these six weeks off and really work on those different kind of pitches.”

McCarthy doesn’t seem to be bothered by the discussion, which is a really good sign for when things happen during the season.