The Minnesota Vikings had an impressive showing from J.J. McCarthy in their 31-0 win over the Washington Commanders on December 7 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
McCarthy, who was coming off a concussion, went 16-for-23 on his pass attempts for 163 passing yards and three touchdowns. Moreover, the second-year signal caller had zero interceptions, so the young quarterback didn’t hurt the team with any turnovers.
At 5-8, Minnesota are looking for the 22-year-old to end the season on a positive note and build his confidence up for the 2026 NFL campaign. After the dominant win over the Commanders, head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke about what allowed his quarterback to succeed amid recent struggles.
“I think it was a combination of J.J.’s execution [and] staying efficient,” O’Connell said postgame. “We had some different looks early on in the game to try to change up some things we’ve done, either personnel-wise or schématically, and just try to get off to a fast start and then get a little momentum in the game, allow our defense to play with the lead, and eventually [and] force some turnovers.
“Then try to see if we can stack on that by just staying the course and protecting the football and playing smart. I do think the situational football is probably not going to be talked about but when you run the football efficiently, that’s great.”
J.J. McCarthy Looks to End Season With Confidence
McCarthy ending this season on a positive note will be huge for him, as many expect Minnesota to pursue a quarterback to challenge their former first-round pick for the starting job. Nonetheless, McCarthy could change their mind as “First Things First“ co-host Chris Broussard believes these last handful of games are to show that he can be the franchise quarterback.
“J.J., the rest of this season, you have got to prove that you are the man,“ Broussard said on the December 4 edition of “First Things First,” . “That’s all it’s about. It’s similar to Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland. This season is done as far as the playoffs. It’s about you showing Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings that you are their future franchise quarterback.
“Otherwise, is it off the board that Daniel Jones will be a free agent? Is it off the board that they make a lucrative offer to Daniel Jones? I don’t think it’s off the board.
“If J.J. struggles the rest of the season, they may go out—whether it’s Daniel Jones or Mac Jones—and try to make a trade for him or something like that. You could be in Zach Wilson territory if you don’t produce the rest of this season. J.J., I’m pulling for you. I am actually pulling for you.”
Vikings Will Look to Start Winning Streak
Minnesota’s win over the Commanders also snaps a four-game losing streak. As a result, the Vikings will look to start a winning streak that can build McCarthy’s confidence and belief, which should be the end goal of the season, considering the investment and decision the front office made to go all in with him.
The Vikings will face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15 as they look to extend their win streak to two games.
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