Overview
- Head coach Kevin O’Connell pared back the playbook and emphasized decision-making, a shift McCarthy and teammates said helped settle the offense.
- McCarthy went 16-of-23 for 163 yards and three touchdowns, directing a 19-play, 98-yard march, while Minnesota finished +3 in turnovers in the shutout of Washington.
- Despite progress, McCarthy was sacked four times, underscoring a season-long high sack rate that remains a priority to address.
- Jefferson had two catches for 11 yards and tried to re-enter late before coaches and security kept him out, a move O’Connell described as protecting players with the game in hand.
- Team communications noted McCarthy is the first Vikings QB age 22 or younger since 1977 to throw three TDs in a game, as analysts urge patience and point to needing 20–30 starts to judge his trajectory.