12 Snap Reactions to the Vikings’ Night in Dallas
The Minnesota Vikings faced pressure-free football on Sunday night in Dallas, eliminated from the postseason by the Chicago Bears about four hours prior. With nothing to lose, besides a quarterback’s reputation, the Vikings prevailed by a score of 34-26. These are snap reactions to the dub.
From Jordan Mason’s emergence to defensive breakdowns, missed DAL chances, and J.J. McCarthy’s growing pains, these quick-hit notes sort through what mattered most in Arlington.
Next up are the New York Giants on the road, but let’s delve into Minnesota’s Sunday Night Football win.
Rapid-Fire Takeaways from Vikings–Cowboys
It was never totally in the bag, but the Vikings pulled it off.
1. Heading into last week and this week, Minnesota had one thing to play for regarding the long-term outlook: Could J.J. McCarthy stop playing buffoonishly and show legitimate growth?
The answer is yes. McCarthy actually looked phenomenal on Sunday night, especially for a player in his eighth start. All quarterbacks, particularly 22-year-olds, have bad throws, but McCarthy, by far, outweighed the bad with the good.
Peek at these numbers from our Janik Eckardt:
Vikings QBs total EPA this season
1 J.J. DAL 15.7
2 J.J. WAS 12.0
3 Wentz CLE 10.1
4 Wentz CIN 7.4
5 Wentz PIT 4.3
6 Wentz PHI 0.2
7 J.J. CHI I -1.2
8 J.J. BAL -5.4
9 J.J. DET -5.9
10 Wentz LAC -9.5
11 J.J. CHI II -12.4
12 J.J. GB -16.9
13 J.J. ATL -19.9
14 Brosmer SEA -27.6
Yes, McCarthy played the best game by a Vikings quarterback all year. Sadly, the good version of McCarthy showed up the moment the team encountered playoff elimination, but that was always a risk this season when gambling on a first-time starter.
McCarthy appears to be the real deal.
2. Kevin O’Connell’s last two games have featured a masterclass in playcalling, and we will reiterate that any theories about “take away his playcalling” are dumb. O’Connell’s playbook works when the quarterback doesn’t play historically bad. Every successful playcaller’s playbook will be doomed when the quarterback plays like JaMarcus Russell. It’s not supernatural.
3. Jalen Nailor continues to forge his chemistry with McCarthy, convenient for a guy whose contract expires in mere weeks. It would almost feel criminal to let Nailor depart after McCarthy has built a productive on-the-field relationship with him.
4. The Vikings’ draft position went from 11th to 12th, so even that slide for the “please give us a higher draft pick crowd” is menial.
5. For a second straight game, Minnesota ran the ball more than it passed. More please.
This is the blueprint for any football team — and assuredly the way for one with a young quarterback. It’s noteworthy because the Vikings weren’t very efficient (2.8 yards per carry), yet they didn’t abandon the run; O’Connell tends to do so when a lead is lost. He has not in the last two games.
6. Jonathan Greenard is hurt, so that will turn into a Week 16 storyline. It appeared to be his shoulder again, but because Dallas Turner is coming into his own in real-time, Minnesota’s defense should be just fine at the Giants if Greenard cannot play.
7. Will Reichard outperformed Brandon Aubrey, and no one saw that coming. To give you an example of where we’re at with kickers in 2025, it felt weird and shameful for Aubrey to miss a 59-yarder. That’s how good he usually is.
8. McCarthy and friends were 3 for 4 in the redzone (scoring touchdowns). That right there was the difference in the game. There were contests earlier this season when Minnesota could not score inside the 20.
9. Justin Jefferson has another quiet night, but he doesn’t get too upset when his team wins. Eventually, his chemistry with McCarthy will click, and the Vikings’ offense will erupt.
10. Andrew Van Ginkel and the aforementioned Greenard combined for 7 QB hits. That’s impressive. Harrison Smith also turned back the clock a bit, too, and performed well. This is his farewell tour.
11. You witnessed what may be C.J. Ham’s final touchdown. He could retire this offseason or next, and he doesn’t score touchdowns that often. What a career for a mainstay fullback.
12. The Vikings have a chance to play spoiler on Christmas Day at home against the Detroit Lions, who now have just a 27% chance of reaching the postseason. If so, that game will be extra fun.
Bonus: If McCarthy stacks competent games to close out the season, the franchise probably just needs a high-end backup quarterback from free agency or via trade in March. McCarthy’s lightbulb moment has glowed that brightly in the last seven days. He just can’t regress at MetLife Stadium or show that putrid version of himself.
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