J.J. McCarthy Delivers Career-Best Performance with Three Total Touchdowns as Vikings Upset Cowboys 34-26 on Sunday Night Football
In a stunning prime-time display, second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy erupted for three total touchdowns – two passing and one rushing – leading the playoff-eliminated Minnesota Vikings to a commanding 34-26 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on December 14, 2025, at AT&T Stadium. The loss left Dak Prescott and Cowboys fans reeling, effectively crushing Dallas’ already slim postseason hopes and dropping their record to 6-7-1.
McCarthy’s Breakout Night Torches Cowboys Defense
J.J. McCarthy, in just his eighth career start, delivered arguably the best performance of his young NFL career, completing 15 of 24 passes for 250 yards, throwing two touchdown passes (both to wide receiver Jalen Nailor), and adding a 1-yard rushing touchdown on a slick naked bootleg. Despite an early interception on his first pass, McCarthy bounced back with poise, connecting on big plays including completions of 58, 29, 23, and 18 yards.
Key highlights from McCarthy’s explosion:
- A picturesque 20-yard TD pass to Nailor while rolling left to tie the game early.
- A clever 1-yard rushing score that knotted it at 14.
- A clutch 4-yard TD to Nailor in the fourth quarter to extend the lead.
Fullback C.J. Ham provided the go-ahead score with a 1-yard plunge – his first carry and touchdown of the season – while rookie kicker Will Reichard added a 53-yard field goal to ice the game late.
The Vikings (6-8), playing spoiler after their elimination earlier that day, exploited Dallas’ leaky defense, which allowed over 30 points for the seventh time this season.
Dak Prescott’s Solid Stats Can’t Overcome Defensive Woes
Dak Prescott posted strong numbers, throwing for 294 yards on 23-of-38 passing with no touchdowns and no interceptions mentioned. Running backs Javonte Williams and Malik Davis each scored short rushing TDs, and CeeDee Lamb contributed 6 receptions for 111 yards after clearing concussion protocol.
However, the Cowboys’ offense stalled in the red zone, settling for field goals multiple times. Kicker Brandon Aubrey, one of the NFL’s most accurate, suffered a rare off-night with two missed field goals, proving costly in a game where Dallas needed every point.
Dallas’ defense, despite mid-season additions, couldn’t stop McCarthy’s rhythm, allowing explosive plays and failing to generate consistent pressure (zero sacks on McCarthy).
Playoff Implications: Cowboys’ Hopes All But Extinguished
The Cowboys entered desperately needing a win to keep pace in the NFC East and wild-card race. This defeat plummeted their playoff probability to near zero – some simulators peg it at under 1%, with others slightly higher but requiring miraculous help (e.g., winning out while Philadelphia collapses).
Dallas must now win their final three games and rely on massive favors from other teams. The once-promising mid-season surge has evaporated under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Key Stats from Vikings vs Cowboys
- Final Score: Vikings 34, Cowboys 26
- J.J. McCarthy: 15/24, 250 passing yards, 2 TD passes, 1 rushing TD, 1 INT
- Dak Prescott: 294 passing yards, 0 TD passes
- Jalen Nailor: 2 TD receptions
- CeeDee Lamb: 111 receiving yards
- Notable: Vikings overcame early INT; Cowboys hurt by missed FGs and red-zone inefficiency
McCarthy’s back-to-back three-TD games signal a breakout for the young QB, while Cowboys Nation is left in shock – is the 2025 season officially over? Fans are furious; share your reactions below!
Related: J.J. McCarthy breakout performance 2025, Vikings vs Cowboys highlights Week 15, Dallas Cowboys playoff chances update, NFL Sunday Night Football recap
