Study of Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy at work

“If somebody is going in motion, he has so much to worry about,” Jones said. “The play clock, if the defense has shifted, making a call. We work hand in hand. If somebody goes in motion and they’re not set yet, I’m like, ‘Hey, we’ve got a motion.’ We’re just trying to find that chemistry and working together.”

Smith is 14 years older and plays on the other side of the ball, but McCarthy seeks his input and advice on things, too. They sit a few lockers apart in the locker room, and they have homes near each other.

“He’s always trying to learn something,” Smith said, “whether we’re just hanging out outside of the building or talking between lockers about football and about how to carry yourself as a pro.”

Growing pains will be an inevitable part of the process. McCarthy appeared fooled by coverage in a 7-on-7 session during Tuesday’s practice, and Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. jumped the route for an interception.

Both McCarthy and O’Connell immediately turned and looked at the videoboard on the sideline to see a replay.

Next play, McCarthy rifled a pretty pass to Jalen Nailor for a completion. O’Connell gave his quarterback an exuberant fist bump.