The Minnesota Vikings bounced back in a big way in Week 14. They pitched a shut out on the Washington Commanders on Sunday by a score of 31-0. This was convenient timing to do so, as the Vikings themselves were shutout just the week before in Seattle.
The main story of the game wasn’t Minnesota’s defense allowing zero total points to a once-potent Washington offensive attack. Rather, the talk is all about J.J. McCarthy and his good showing that Vikings fans have been itching for.
Vikings Have a Great Day, Led by McCarthy
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on prior to a game against the Washington Commanders at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)
McCarthy threw for 163 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. He finished with a 129.2 passer rating and 69.3% completion percentage. Additionally, he added 19 yards on the ground.
The contest saw the young signal caller achieve multiple season (and by default, career) highs across many metrics:
- Completion percentage: 69.3%
- Passing touchdowns: 3
- Passer rating: 129.2
- QBR: 75.2
- PFF offensive grade: 78.4
- PFF passing grade: 73.1
- PFF rushing grade: 74.5
And potentially mostly importantly, it was the first game of J.J. McCarthy ‘s career where he didn’t turn the ball over whatsoever.
If you were to call his game against Washington “ultra-efficient”, you would be in mental lockstep with one of the legends of the game.
Drew Brees Praises J.J. McCarthy’s Week 14 Performance
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 06: Drew Brees speaks on SiriusXM at Super Bowl LIX on February 06, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
The legendary signal caller is now of course in the FOX Sports broadcasting booth, and he was on the call in Week 14 when the Vikings hosted the Commanders.
After the game, he gave J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings some well-deserved praise after a near-perfect performance at home:
“Hard to believe that that’s a 5 and 8 football team right now just based on what we just witnessed. Honestly, I think just reestablishing their identity on offense and getting JJ McCarthy some confidence. Obviously [he’s] been banged up a lot, but he came out here and was ultra efficient.
They ran the ball extremely well. They incorporated everybody. And honestly, if the defense is going to play like that, you know, force turnovers, wreak havoc on the opposing offense, create a ton of short fields for you…this team is going to be Really tough here down the stretch and they’re gonna play some teams like a Dallas, like a Detroit…
So maybe even if Minnesota is out of it in terms of the playoff race, they have a chance to play some spoiler and get some key reps down the stretch.”
Legendary QB Drew Brees on the Minnesota Vikings post-game on FOX
It’s surely a step forward in the right direction for J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings. At 5-8, their playoff hopes are everything but dead, but these remaining games are still important.
McCarthy must continue to show improvement in order to solidify himself as the day-one starter in 2026.
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