For the first time this season, the Vikings have won consecutive games. Unfortunately, it happened on the day they were eliminated from the playoffs. It’s no surprise the win last week against the Washington Commanders and this win against the Dallas Cowboys were the best games of quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s first season. Last night didn’t start well for the young quarterback. His first throw was tipped and intercepted. It took the Cowboys 10 plays and a successful fake field goal to move the ball 35 yards for a touchdown and an early 7-0 lead. The Vikings responded to that early mistake with a punt. It was a terrific punt (65 yards) but it was a disappointing response to that quick score. After that, the Cowboys defense couldn’t slow the Vikings offense. With scores on six of seven possessions, the McCarthy-led offense took over the game.
The Cowboys have a potent offense. It’s one of the league’s best. The Cowboys gained 423 yards against the Vikings. That’s a decent chunk and nearly 100 more yards than the Vikings gained. While the explosive Cowboys offense did move the ball, the Vikings defense bent but rarely broke. Thanks to that tipped interception, the Cowboys scored that early touchdown on a short field (with the help of a successful fake field goal attempt). They scored their second touchdown eight seconds into the second quarter. After that, the Cowboys never again put the ball in the end zone. The Vikings defense forced the Cowboys offense to rely on field goals. Brandon Aubrey made four of his six field goal attempts. Those twelve points weren’t enough to keep up with a Vikings offense that kept scoring.
Seeing the Vikings win is fun. Seeing the Vikings beat the Cowboys in Dallas is especially fun. The Vikings played well. An offensive line missing left tackle Christian Darrisaw from the start and right takle Brian O’Neill at the end was solid throughout against a strong defensive front. J.J. McCarthy was never sacked. While the Vikings got some important runs, the run game averaged a poor 2.8 yards/attempt. That needs to be better. It forced McCarthy to make some big throws. He did. The Vikings defense was stout but there are still too many missed tackles. Overall, the Vikings played well against an explosive team that had to win. The Vikings had nothing but pride to play for as they were eliminated from the playoffs earlier in the day. The Cowboys had been rolling and had to continue rolling if they wanted the playoffs. The Vikings outplayed the Cowboys. The frustrating thing is that this the Vikings team I expected/hoped to see in Week 1. For that reason, this season has been frustrating. Every season that doesn’t include the playoffs is. This Vikings team has the talent to contend in the playoffs but it took until Week 15 to finally see consecutive wins. However, if the Vikings come out of this season with J.J. McCarthy solidly in place as the team’s quarterback, it won’t be a lost season. He’s now 4-4 in the games he’s started. He had some fine moments peppered in his first six games. He was solid against the Detroit Lions in Week 9. He was very good and looked comfortable last week against the Commanders and last night against the Cowboys. He has three more games to build on his recent strong play. He also must get the ball to Justin Jefferson.
Next up: @ New York Giants. That’s bad news for the Giants.
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