Overview
- McCarthy returned from a concussion to post his best outing in a 31-0 Week 14 win, going 16-of-23 for 163 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers.
- Head coach Kevin O’Connell said he challenged McCarthy to “quiet your mind” and focus on his job each play, tying the simplified approach to cleaner decisions.
- Minnesota leaned on the ground game with 162 rushing yards, including 76 from Aaron Jones Sr., to ease pressure on the passing attack.
- Analysts view the final four games as an audition for the 5-8 Vikings, with Week 15 bringing a Cowboys defense that ranks near the bottom in pass yards allowed.
- Offseason chatter points to adding veteran competition at quarterback, with ESPN’s Dan Graziano raising Daniel Jones as a speculative rehab-and-compete option after his Achilles tear.