McCarthy has impressed, Brian Flores' defense looks sharp and there are roster battles aplenty as the Vikings prepare to put pads on Monday.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has reportedly "checked critical boxes early on" while serving as the club's full-time starter for the first time this summer. That doesn't mean the 2024 first-round draft pick was flawless across his first training camp practices after a meniscus repair sidelined him for his entire rookie season.

Here are more takeaways from Day 7 of training camp: There were more ups and downs for McCarthy while going up against an some exotic looks courtesy of defensive coordinator Brian Flores.