Quarterback JJ McCarthy produced his second impressive game in a row in the Minnesota Vikings‘ victory over the Dallas Cowboys on “Sunday Night Football,” but the postgame wasn’t as perfectly festive and celebratory as fans might have expected.
The tension during the press conference existed between McCarthy and head coach Kevin O’Connell, and it involved McCarthy’s celebration following his rushing touchdown in the second quarter.
Kevin Seifert of ESPN explained the back and forth via X.
“Low-key wild postgame sequence. Kevin O’Connell, in his own way, made clear he did not like JJ McCarthy’s Griddy-like celebration while scoring in Q2,” Seifert reported. “McCarthy said he did it in practice and was told not to do it in a game, which made him more determined to do it.”
McCarthy also addressed the situation in his own words.
“I did it in practice, and I was told not to do it,” McCarthy explained. “So, just me being who I am, it’s like, ‘Oh, now I’m more enticed to do it.’ But if it’s that open, obviously just get in the end zone no matter what, and be coachable and do what my coach says.”
JJ McCarthy Showing Promising Signs for Future With Vikings
GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy.
Just about everything else McCarthy did on the night, however, was entirely on point.
He finished the game 15-of-24 passing for 250 yards, two TDs and one INT. He also rushed for 15 yards and the aforementioned score.
McCarthy’s performance on Sunday followed a 31-0 win over the Washington Commanders, in which the quarterback completed 16-of-23 pass attempts for 163 yards and three TDs. He also rushed the football six times for 19 yards.
JJ McCarthy’s Play Down Stretch Will Determine Vikings’ Path Forward at QB Next Season
GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy.
Minnesota (6-8) was mathematically out of the playoffs before kickoff Sunday night. The quarterback play has been a considerable factor, if not the primary factor, in the Vikings’ struggles this year after they went 14-3 with Sam Darnold at the helm of the offense in 2024.
McCarthy has had a couple of moments this season, which resulted in road wins over the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, though he has not put together two back-to-back performances like those he mustered in Weeks 14 and 15 yet in his career.
The 22-year-old signal-caller also has a considerable injury history after missing his entire rookie campaign following knee surgery. McCarthy then sat out five games this year with a high-ankle sprain and missed Week 13 due to a concussion.
Given McCarthy’s inconsistency and injury troubles, Minnesota is still highly likely to seek a veteran quarterback next offseason either as insurance or competition for the QB1 role. McCarthy’s play over his last two games, if it continues, could influence which path the team travels under center come the offseason.
McCarthy has three more weeks to continue to prove himself a reliable option. The Vikings go on the road to face the New York Giants on December 21 before hosting the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day. Minnesota finishes the year with a home game against the Green Bay Packers.
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