Raiders' Jack Jones ruins Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy's first NFL drive

Mike Moraitis

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Raiders' Jack Jones ruins Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy's first NFL drive image

After the Minnesota Vikings started veteran signal-caller Sam Darnold in the preseason Week 1, they handed the keys to the car to rookie signal-caller J.J. McCarthy on the next drive for what was his first NFL action. But the drive was short-lived thanks to Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones.

After three straight handoffs and McCarthy committing a false start, the rookie finally threw his first two passes. McCarthy's first pass connected with wide receiver Jalen Nailor, and his second was an incompletion.

And then came his third pass, which was intercepted by Jones. McCarthy was on the move and his ball placement was poor, making things easy for the veteran cornerback.

While he didn't end up scoring a touchdown, Darnold had much more success on his lone series of the day, completing completing 4-of-8 passes for 59 yards on a drive that went 66 yards on 12 plays.

Unfortunately for the Vikings, they were unable to convert on fourth down from the four-yard line thanks to a great play by cornerback Jakorian Bennett.

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.