J.J. McCarthy has been a lightning rod this season, with the second-year quarterback adjusting to the NFL on the fly.
While the Minnesota Vikings have taken a step back this year, a big reason why is because of poor quarterback play. However, since McCarthy returned from his most recent injury, the young quarterback has looked more comfortable on the field.
That continued on Sunday night, with the Vikings defeating the Dallas Cowboys to produce a second-straight victory. With just a few games left in the season, McCarthy’s progress will go a long way to determining how the Vikings approach the offseason.
Here’s a look at how McCarthy performed on Sunday night.
J.J. McCarthy stats vs. Cowboys
- Completions/Attempts: 15/24
- Passing yards: 250
- Yards per attempt: 10.4
- Passing touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 1
- Passer rating: 107.9
- Rushing yards: 16
- Rushing touchdowns: 1
McCarthy had one of the better games of his career on Sunday night, scoring three times and leading the Vikings to a win. It’s a second-straight positive performance for McCarthy and also results in the first winning streak of the young quarterback’s career.
J.J. McCarthy highlights vs. Cowboys
McCarthy’s night started on a sour note, as he threw an interception on his first pass of the game. However, he was able to bounce back and make some nice plays against Dallas.
In the first quarter, McCarthy scored his first touchdown of the game, a pass to Jalen Nailor while moving to his left to tie the game at seven.
WHAT A STRIKE @jjmccarthy09 🎯
📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/q40LRbnKjO
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 15, 2025
McCarthy’s second score came while the quarterback used his legs, as the Vikings called a naked bootleg on the goal line. It allowed the quarterback to easily strut and griddy into the end zone.
Griddying for a touchdown.
You.
Love.
To.
See.
📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/pKkcz7rYi2
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 15, 2025
Then, McCarthy found Nailor for another touchdown, this time to extend a one-point lead in the fourth quarter.
NAILOR! AGAIN!@jjmccarthy09 @jalennailor#ProBowlVote
📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/JnsDToU2Mn
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 15, 2025
McCarthy’s biggest highlight of the night might not have resulted in a score, with the Vikings quarterback completing a pass to Jordan Addison deep down the field.
AIRING IT OUT!!! @jjmccarthy09 ➡️ Jordan Addison#ProBowlVote
📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/D07i2lZDHA
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 15, 2025
Vikings schedule 2025
| Date | Opponent | Time | TV Channel |
| 12/21 | @ Giants | 1:00 p.m. | Fox |
| 12/25 | vs. Lions | 4:30 p.m. | Netflix |
| TBD | vs. Packers | TBD | TBD |
