Is this season a disappointment or an existential threat? J.J. McCarthy and Christian Darrisaw are among the players who hold the answer.
![State Rep. Jim Abeler asked Somalis for their vote in the August 12 primary in his race against Mike McFadden to go up against Sen. Al Franken for the U.S. Senate seat. He handed out brochures in both English and Somali Friday after prayers at Somali Village Market in Minneapolis. ] Friday, August 1, 2014. GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com ORG XMIT: MIN1408011641271205](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/Q2CN5UBEOOTWQQJZ6CYF4X5SUA.jpg?&w=80&ar=1:1&fit=crop)
More from Vikings
It's 'just one of those years' again for the Vikings
The Vikings haven't made consecutive postseason appearances since 2008-09. The two most common reasons that befall a franchise? Injuries and instability at quarterback.
December 6, 2025
Commanders will start Jayden Daniels at QB while Vikings could have O-line back together
Daniels, another member of the 2024 quarterback class, is returning from a dislocated left elbow that sidelined him for four weeks.
December 5, 2025
RandBall: The Vikings are finally catching a break. They had better use it.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has a chance to revamp his season against three bad defenses. Can he take advantage?
AuthoredMichael Rand
AuthoredMichael RandDecember 5, 2025
Going old-school: Thinking outside of the box for NFL MVP candidates
A Bears guard? A Packers pass rusher? What about the 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey? Here are some players who deserve consideration to be the first non-QB to win MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012.
December 5, 2025
Not a 'top-tier year' for Jefferson, but he says he would never give up on the Vikings
Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson said this season is among the most difficult of his career, but he wouldn’t call it a waste of one of his prime years.
December 5, 2025
McCarthy: Vikings' new coaching approach “frees up a lot of space mentally”
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy said he was “so focused on doing every rep perfect," but a shift in his coaching away from tinkering with his mechanics will allow him to "be instinctual, react, respond to what the defense is giving me.”
December 5, 2025
C.J. Ham is Vikings’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award
The fullback from Duluth was voted by his teammates as the Vikings representative for an award given to players who have a “steadfast commitment” to impacting lives beyond football.
December 4, 2025
Vikings guard Donovan Jackson returns to practice; Jayden Daniels takes every rep for Commanders
Quarterback Jayden Daniels was a full participant in practice for Washington on Thursday as he prepares to come back from a dislocated elbow.
December 4, 2025
RandBall: So now we know Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy was overwhelmed and overthinking
Improvement is an investment in the future as well as a recognition of past shortcomings.AuthoredMichael Rand
AuthoredMichael RandDecember 4, 2025
Vikings simplify offense, meaning QB J.J. McCarthy’s job is ‘purely about decisionmaking’
Coach Kevin O’Connell said he doesn’t want J.J. McCarthy “overthinking” after throwing 10 interceptions in six starts.
December 4, 2025
Film review: What went so wrong for Vikings QB Max Brosmer in his first NFL start?
A collective letdown around Brosmer led to one of the worst statistical first starts in recent memory.
December 3, 2025
Kevin O’Connell approaching rarefied air with loss on Sunday
A loss on Sunday will make it very difficult for O’Connell and the Vikings to reach two wins at U.S. Bank Stadium, something that’s only happened three times in their 64-year history.
December 3, 2025
