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The Minnesota Vikings hosted the Baltimore Ravens for joint practice this week and the two teams squared off during preseason Week 2 action. Minnesota rested most of its starters, including quarterback Kyler Murray. That allowed J.J. McCarthy to start the game for the Vikings. He played one quarter for Minnesota, and we are going to grade his performance. MORE: Vikings’ Kyler Murray teased by Kevin O’Connell with height jokes A mixed bag for J.J. With the Vikings resting their starters in Week 2, the backup offensive line did McCarthy zero favors. J.J. was under duress the entire three drives he had, but that doesn’t mean McCarthy did himself any favors either. He received one quarter of action and ended the day going 5-for-10 for 81 yards. All three drives ended with zero points for Minnesota, and his final drive was a three-and-out. McCarthy demonstrated his deep ball, connecting with Tai Felton on a 50-yard bomb on the second drive. He marched the Vikings right down the field on that drive, but accuracy became an issue in the red zone. McCarthy missed Felton and Myles Price on two throws that could’ve resulted in a touchdown. Instead, Minnesota turned the ball over on downs. On his final drive, McCarthy found Jeshaun Jones for a 19-yard gain, but while McCarthy made the throw while being hit by a Ravens defender, there was holding on the play that negated McCarthy’s throw. Despite his accuracy issues, McCarthy made a few nice throws in the quarter, while being hit way too often. Overall, I’d give McCarthy a C+ grade. MORE: NFL games on today, Week 2 preseason TV schedule: August 22 A QB2 battle Kevin O’Connell has yet to name McCarthy the backup to Murray. Carson Wentz is right in the mix and he had the second quarter. Wentz went 9-for-11 for 92 yards, playing with the same backup offensive linemen. He took the Vikings down the field for a field goal. Max Brosmer took over in the second half, and as of this writing, it appears both McCarthy and Wentz are done for the day. Wentz certainly outperformed McCarthy in this game, but did he do enough to overtake J.J.? As of now, I’d say no. But McCarthy has to practice well this next week and look better in a game setting or he will be demoted to QB3. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —