Overview
- After missing four games with an ankle injury, McCarthy led a 27-24 road win at Detroit, going 14-of-25 for 143 yards with two passing touchdowns, one rushing score and one interception to lift Minnesota to 4-4.
- On the FOX broadcast, Tom Brady praised McCarthy’s pre-snap processing and decision-making, echoing coach Kevin O’Connell’s emphasis on the young quarterback’s command of checks and protections.
- O’Connell likened McCarthy to a high-level chef, noting coaches provide guidance until the 15-second cutoff and then leave him to operate the offense on his own.
- The Vikings made calls but completed no trades before the Nov. 4 deadline, moving forward with McCarthy as the starter and young backups Max Brosmer and practice-squad addition John Wolford for depth.
- McCarthy described an intense gameday alter ego he calls “Nine” born from injuries that sidelined him early in his career, as analysts also cautioned about five sacks and off-script miscues that will be tested next against Baltimore.