### Harrison Phillips Sees Parallels Between J.J. McCarthy and Josh Allen

In the NFL, rookies often look up to former teammates who have walked a similar path. Harrison Phillips, now with the Vikings, finds himself in a unique position to witness the rise of another promising young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy. Having observed quarterback Josh Allen's early years up close during their time together with the Buffalo Bills, Phillips has noticed striking similarities between Allen and McCarthy.

Reflecting on McCarthy's development, Phillips shared his observations during a recent press conference. "I've commented before about how he reached out to me after his injury to learn more about the defense," Phillips stated, according to Will Ragatz of SI.com. Phillips highlighted McCarthy's dedication to understanding the game inside and out, evidenced by his insightful questions and proactive approach.

One notable change Phillips observed is McCarthy's enhanced role within the team. "He's really stepped up in the personal power role this year," Phillips noted. Unlike the previous year, where McCarthy's focus was primarily on rehab and meetings, he now invests time in building relationships within the team. "In the locker room, I'm constantly seeing him interact with new guys, dapping each other up, sitting on the couches, and just having conversations," Phillips said. This shift underscores McCarthy's understanding that fostering a family-like atmosphere is crucial for team success.

Phillips also remarked on McCarthy's growing confidence, drawing a parallel with Josh Allen's early days in Buffalo. "He reminds me of Josh Allen when I was with him in Buffalo, coming into his own and recognizing the power he has to lead this organization," Phillips remarked. According to Phillips, McCarthy is doing an exceptional job embracing his leadership role and contributing to the team's cohesion.

Although McCarthy still has much to achieve before reaching the status of the 2024 AP MVP, Phillips' comments indicate that McCarthy is on the right track. The admiration from a seasoned player like Phillips suggests that McCarthy's efforts this offseason are paving the way for future success.