Key Highlights
- McCarthy had his most complete game of the season, completing 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns.
- That makes him the first Vikings quarterback age 22 or younger to throw three touchdowns in a game since Tommy Kramer in 1977 (Week 12 vs San Francisco). AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt was also the first time in Vikings history that they shut a team out one week after being shut out.
- They are only 5-8 and are only playing for pride at this point, but it was refreshing to see the Vikings play a complete game after generating little offense over the past month. Here are instant takeaways from the victory. McCarthy proved composed with the simplified offenseKevin O'Connell told reporters last week that the Vikings would simplify their offense against the Commanders.
- The idea was to get McCarthy to focus less on his mechanics and more on a digestible game plan. He did just that, even if the Commanders entered the week with the 30th-ranked pass defense in the NFL.
- McCarthy made most of his routine throws and even completed some deep out routes to Jordan Addison, displaying his anticipation and arm strength.