US EditionHow a Simplified Approach From the Vikings Helped J.J. McCarthy Succeed
Coach O'Connell simplified the Vikings' offense, leading to McCarthy’s efficient 31-0 win with 3 touchdowns and zero interceptions, setting a positive path for Week 15.
- In Week 14 at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-0 win.
- Head coach Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings coaching staff dialed up different early looks and made schematic and personnel changes to build momentum and let the defense play with a lead.
- The Vikings emphasized efficient execution, handing off 28 times and featuring a designed play where McCarthy scrambled 16 yards instead of targeting Justin Jefferson for a 66-yard touchdown.
- McCarthy now faces a Week 15 test on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, needing to build on the win while Kevin O'Connell could replicate the fast-start defense formula.
- The team plans to use the last four games to build into next year, with questions remaining whether McCarthy’s short-term approach will lead to long-term success.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Pine Journal
How a simplified approach from the Vikings helped J.J. McCarthy succeed
After leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 31-0 win over the Washington Commanders, young quarterback J.J. McCarthy tried his best to keep the focus on the big picture. He repeatedly talked about how his success in the present — he completed 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards and a trio of touchdowns in the win — doesn’t mean anything if it doesn’t translate to success in the future. McCarthy, however, momentarily let his guard down after some prodding…
Vikings' J.J. McCarthy Gets Blunt Message for Final Four Games
In Week 14, Minnesota Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy had an encouraging performance in the 31-0 win over the Washington Commanders on December 7 at U.S. Bank Stadium.Coming off a concussion, McCarthy completed 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns. The second-year quarterback also avoided any interceptions, keeping the offense turnover-free.While these aren’t eye-popping numbers, it’s a positive step for McCarthy, and now he needs to build …
J.J. McCarthy Got Hit With the Ultimate Disrespect
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Protected by center Ryan Kelly (78), Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) drops back to pass against the Washington Commanders during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images The Minnesota Vikings put all the QB eggs in the J.J. McCarthy basket when they chose to go forward with him as the QB1 over Sam Darnold or Aaron Rodgers. It’s not too early to say t…
Taking Command: McCarthy-Led Vikings Trounce Washington
Vikings Territory Breakdown Turnabout is fair play. After going two games (23 possessions) without a touchdown, the Vikings took the ball down the field in the opening drive of the game against the Washington Commanders and scored on a bullet from J.J. McCarthy to tight end Josh Oliver (his first of two touchdown receptions on the day). And that was enough to defeat the hapless Commanders (eventually 31-0), who just took another step toward a hi…
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