Overview
- J.J. McCarthy went 16-of-23 for 163 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, marking his first turnover-free game.
- Kevin O’Connell leaned on a pared-down approach and the ground game, totaling 34 rushes for 164 yards as Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones combined for 128 yards and a Mason touchdown.
- Minnesota’s defense generated three takeaways and preserved the shutout, with a Javon Hargrave forced fumble and interceptions by Harrison Smith and Andrew Van Ginkel.
- McCarthy piloted a 19-play, 98-yard touchdown drive that converted five third downs and set the game’s tone.
- The Vikings improved to 5-8 with playoff odds still slim, and Justin Jefferson embraced a team-first day after two catches for 11 yards.