Overview
- McCarthy delivered his best NFL outing in Week 14, going 16 of 23 for 163 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-0 win over Washington with no turnovers.
- Kevin O’Connell emphasized a pared-back approach by telling McCarthy to “quiet your mind,” while the offense leaned on 162 rushing yards to ease his workload.
- Justin Jefferson publicly backed McCarthy’s growth and leadership as the star receiver’s production dipped in recent weeks, a stance the team values despite a rocky season.
- Mock-draft chatter links Minnesota to Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love as analysts argue a stronger ground game could further support the young quarterback.
- External speculation suggests the Vikings could add veteran competition in 2026, with ESPN mentioning Daniel Jones as a possible option as the final four games serve as McCarthy’s evaluation window.