Offensive Players of the Game
J.J. McCarthy, QB
It’s gotta be the quarterback. This is the sort of play I expected in Week 1. That was always an optimistic expectation. These things can take a while. Last week against the Washington Commanders and this week against the Dallas Cowboys were his best games. He looked comfortable and both games were great steps in the right direction.
Jalen Nailor, WR
Jalen Nailor scored two touchdowns against the Cowboys. He also hauled in a big 23-yard catch on 4th-and-three late in the third quarter. That led to C.J. Ham’s touchdown run and a lead the Vikings would not lose.
Defensive Players of the Game
Jonathan Greenard, OLB
It’s so much fun watching Jonathan Greenard rush the quarterback. His effort on every play is remarkable. The sacks haven’t come like they did last year but his rush is as effective. He was in on two sacks for a total of one against the Cowboys.
I’m certainly biased but the pass rush trio of Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner is the league’s best in the league.
Harrison Smith, S
I don’t think any Vikings defender frustrated Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense more than Harrison Smith. It’s unfortunate that Smith is probably going to come out of this game thinking about the interception he dropped. He was all over the field. I might be misremembering things but it feels like he’s blitzed more in the past two weeks than any other time with Brian Flores coordinating the defense. He’s been effective and it’s been fun to see.
Special Teams Players of the Game
Ryan Wright, P
Andrew DePaola, LS
Will Reichard, K
The talented and musical trio have been outstanding all season. Ryan Wright has been the Vikings punter for four seasons. He was very good as a rookie. He struggled in his second and third seasons. So much so that it looked like he needed to be replaced. Somehow, he kept his job. It’s a good thing as he’s been great all season. He had two field-flipping punts against the Cowboys. The first was 65 yards and downed at the three-yard line. The second was 47 yards and went out of bounds at the 10-yard line. In his second season, Will Reichard has become the league’s best kicker. Most consider Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey the league’s best kicker. They shared the field Sunday night. Aubrey missed two of six kicks. Reichard was perfect as he’s been all season when camera wires haven’t gotten in the way. His 53-yarder with just over a minute to play iced the game. Long snapper Andrew DePaola rounds out the trio. He’s the best in the league.
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