Minnesota Vikings Week 14 Superlatives

Winning is so much better than losing. The Minnesota Vikings shut out the Washington Commanders on Sunday, 31-0. After four frustrating weeks, Vikings football was fun again. Here are some of the players that made the shutout and the fun possible. 

Offensive Player of the Game

J.J. McCarthy, QB

After a season of criticism and questions, J.J. McCarthy came out and played terrific against the Commanders. He was steady and efficient. 

16 completions

23 attempts

163 yards

3 TDs

129.2 rating

Head coach Kevin O’Connell said last week that he was going to simplify things for his young quarterback. A lot has been made of that. I believe that O’Connell simply instructed McCarthy to simply play football. Make it fun again. Emphasize decision-making rather than technical intricacies. Whatever those instructions were, McCarthy handled them. It worked. Now, he must improve on it. 

Honorable Mentions:

The Tight Ends

Josh Oliver:

2 catches

24 yards

2 TDs (18, 6)

T.J. Hockenson

2 catches

12 yards

1 TD (2)

Defensive Players of the Game

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

Harrison Smith, S

Javon Hargrave, DL

In reality, every defensive player is player of the game. It takes an entire defense to shut out an NFL offense. I singled out Andrew Van Ginkel, Harrison Smith, and Javon Hargrave because each had one of the three turnovers. One of the many issues that have contributed to each of the Vikings eight losses has been the absence of turnovers. The ball simply hasn’t bounced their way. On Sunday, the ball bounced their way. Each of the three players secured the ball when it came their way. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

Will Reichard has been automatic all season. He was perfect again on all five of his kick attempts against the Commanders. Four extra points and a 45-yard field goal.