JJ McCarthy’s three-touchdown outing vs. Cowboys all but ends Dallas’ playoff dream

Vikings Push Cowboys to Brink of Elimination

The Minnesota Vikings walked into AT&T Stadium with nothing to lose and walked out having delivered a major blow to the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff dream. Minnesota’s 34–26 win moved the Vikings to 6–8, while Dallas slipped to 6–7–1, leaving its postseason chances barely alive despite not being officially knocked out.

From Nightmare Start to Statement Game

Things began disastrously for J.J. McCarthy. On his first throw of the night, a blitzing Donovan Wilson got a hand on the ball at the line of scrimmage, popping it into the air for Quinnen Williams to intercept.

With a short field, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys needed 11 plays to cover just 35 yards before Javonte Williams punched in a touchdown for a 7–0 edge. The drive stayed alive because of a bold fake field goal, with kicker Brandon Aubrey running for a first down on fourth-and-4 from the Minnesota 29 — a risk that initially paid off.

McCarthy and Nailor Get Rolling

Minnesota’s offense finally woke up on its third possession when Aaron Jones hauled in an 18-yard catch and drew a horse-collar penalty, tacking on 15 more yards. On the next snap, McCarthy found Jalen Nailor in the end zone for the first of the receiver’s two touchdowns, tying the score at 7–7.

The second quarter turned into a back-and-forth shootout. Dallas answered with a one-yard TD run by Malik Davis, but McCarthy led a 75-yard Vikings march, finishing it himself with a slick play fake and a walk-in score from the Cowboys’ 1-yard line.

Aubrey, one of the league’s steadiest kickers, then missed just his third field goal of the season from 51 yards. Will Reichard connected from long range for Minnesota, before Aubrey redeemed himself with another make just before halftime, sending both teams to the locker room knotted at 17–17.

Cowboys Settle for Threes, Vikings Cash in

After the break, Dallas nudged ahead 23–17 on the strength of two more Aubrey field goals. The Cowboys, however, kept stalling in the red zone when they needed touchdowns.

McCarthy made them pay. A big strike to Nailor set the Vikings up deep in Dallas territory, and though Justin Jefferson couldn’t haul in a scoring pass on that series, C.J. Ham finished the drive with a one-yard plunge. Reichard’s extra point gave Minnesota its first lead at 24–23.

Prescott tried to respond but the Cowboys’ next drive fizzled at the Minnesota 41. Facing a 59-yard attempt — within Aubrey’s typical range — Dallas went for the long field goal. Aubrey missed again, continuing a pattern: all four of his misses this season have come from 50-plus yards.

McCarthy’s Third TD Puts Game Out of Reach

Taking over near midfield, the Vikings had a chance to create breathing room and did exactly that. On first-and-goal from the Dallas 4, McCarthy once again connected with Nailor, who celebrated his second touchdown of the night as Minnesota extended the lead to 31–23.

The Cowboys turned the ball over on downs on their next series, and Minnesota leaned on Aaron Jones to salt away the clock. Jones picked up multiple first downs, forcing Dallas to burn its remaining timeouts and limiting any chance at a late comeback. A final Vikings field goal locked in the 34–26 final.

Final Numbers

McCarthy finished 15 of 24 for 250 yards, two passing touchdowns and one interception, also adding a rushing score. A 58-yard bomb to Jordan Addison was among several impressive throws.

Prescott posted solid yardage — 23 of 38 for 294 yards — but failed to throw a touchdown. CeeDee Lamb led all receivers with 111 yards on six catches, while George Pickens was quiet for the second straight game, managing just three receptions for 33 yards.

For the Vikings, the win is about pride and player development. For the Cowboys, it may be the night their playoff hopes effectively slipped away.