In From the Cold: Vikes Ice Dallas
Vikings Territory Breakdown Podcast
On a frigid December night in Minnesota made colder by the news that the Vikings had been eliminated from the postseason, the team travelled to Big D and beat the Cowboys 34-26 to put a serious hurt on the Cowboys’ playoffs chances. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has played much better the past two games than earlier in the season, has been instrumental in the team’s two-game win streak. He threw for two touchdown passes and ran another one in himself on Sunday Night Football—all after throwing an interception on the second play of the game.
McCarthy smiled after that pick (which was the result of a blocked ball at the line that bounced around like a pinball), but his resilience shined through, and the young signal caller did not crumble. Granted, the team had some pressure taken off them with the news of their postseason gone, but the offensive line kept the pressure off of McCarthy all game, and allowed him to make some great throws in the victory.
J.J. gets the headlines, but there should be plenty conversation about the Vikings defense, which had another great performance (coming on the heels of a shutout last week against Washington). They balled out once again, this time stifling the league’s number one offense in Dallas. McCarthy also got some help from his place kicker, Will Reichard, who hit two field goals, including a 53-yarder late to give the Vikings a two-score lead and essentially put the game on ice.
The season’s goals were gone, but Kevin O’Connell had his charges focused and ready to go in prime time, regardless. The playoffs are gone, but this game is a talker. So, discuss it, we will. The fellas at the Vikings Territory Breakdown podcast, Joe Oberle, senior writer at vikingsterritory.com and purplePTSD.com and Mark Craig, NFL and Vikings writer for the Star Tribune and startribune.com) are here to discuss the defense, the quarterback and everything else Purple. Tune in and check it out. Skol!
