J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
A week after the Minnesota Vikings knocked off the Detroit Lions in upset fashion, there was hope that they could slither their way back into the playoff picture. As slight home underdogs against the Baltimore Ravens they were going to have their hands full.
Thankfully the injury report continued to trend positively for Minnesota and they have virtually all of their key cogs locked and loaded. When the final seconds ticked off the clock though, it didn’t matter and the mess was on everyone’s hands.
McCarthy and O’Connell fail each other
The phrase “slow car accident” sufficiently described what took place at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. Although it was just a 27-19 loss for the Minnesota Vikings, the game was effectively over after Minnesota failed to add onto a 10-0 lead.
J.J. McCarthy dropped back 43 times and had multiple arm punts resulting in a pair of picks. He sailed wide receivers, and despite the running game clicking, Kevin O’Connell made no adjustments.
The Vikings threw the ball 42 times and ran the ball 18 times.
They averaged 5.7 yards per pass attempt.
They averaged 6.7 yards per rush attempt. pic.twitter.com/u3yL38m1Za
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) November 9, 2025
For weeks this season O’Connell has shown an inability to handle play calling responsibilities. Time management has always been an issue, and changing the plan of attack as the game evolves around you hasn’t been a strength. That was on full display Sunday, and McCarthy made matters worse.
I don’t know if the head coach needs to give up play calling duties, but if he wants McCarthy to develop as an NFL quarterback, this isn’t the way to get it done.
Aaron Jones turned his nine carries into 47 yards (5.2 yards per carry) and Jordan Mason had four rushes for 25 yards (6.3 yards per carry). Giving them just a combined 13 totes makes no sense, and puts all of the pressure on an untested quarterback that has shown struggles.
MN Vikings inflict death by paper cuts
It’s hard to win in the NFL, and getting the job done on any given Sunday is largely why style points don’t matter. It’s also hard to win when you struggle to get out of your own way.
Minnesota had [The Vikings threw the ball 42 times and ran the ball 18 times.
They averaged 5.7 yards per pass attempt.
They averaged 6.7 yards per rush attempt. pic.twitter.com/u3yL38m1Za
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) November 9, 2025 ">13 penalties for 102 yards](http://
Kevin O’Connell postgame on the eight false start penalties for the #Vikings today:
“Just not acceptable in any way.”
Didn’t have much of an update on JG— said that he’s still being assessed for his shoulder injury. pic.twitter.com/RooyOWIe7F
— Will Hall (@WillHallKARE11) November 9, 2025
This was a home game for Minnesota mind you. Noise, or the lack thereof while watching the performance later in the game, should not be an issue at U.S. Bank Stadium for the Vikings offense. The level of complete ineptitude from a discipline standpoint on Sunday was jarring.
Whether the Vikings turn things around going forward or not, continued mental mistakes will sink whatever hopes they have.
Superstar level flop from Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson is quite arguably the best wide receiver in football. On Sunday you could have made the argument he looked like one of the worst. Jefferson turned his 12 targets into just four receptions, and he often looked disengaged and uninterested.
Justin Jefferson was making faces and shrugging his shoulders when JJ McCarthy was struggling
Now a HUGE play
GREAT throw in traffic by McCarthy
And Jefferson DROPS it in the clutch
JJettas has been struggling all day long
pic.twitter.com/TlX4AY8Wgj
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) November 9, 2025
Both of McCarthy’s arm punts were targets to Jefferson. One was into double coverage, but the wideout did little to come down with the ball. The other he tripped over the defender’s feet and was never in a position to make a catch.
With the Ravens letting Minnesota hang around, there was plenty of opportunity for a star to step up and make a play. Unfortunately Jefferson had little interest in being that answer Sunday and Minnesota came up short in what amounted to a one-score game.
There is opportunity for soul-searching prior to another key divisional matchup. The Chicago Bears come to U.S. Bank Stadium next week, and they present an opportunity for the Vikings to get the season sweep. Now 1-3 at home, they need to start showing up in front of the people that care the most.
Mentioned in this article: J.J. McCarthy Justin Jefferson Kevin O'Connell More About: Minnesota Vikings
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