The Vikings are projected to finish with the 14th pick with two games left to play
Despite some issues with their team charter causing a late arrival for the Minnesota Vikings, Kevin O'Connell's group notched its third straight win over the Giants in New Jersey. After two consecutive 30-point performances from J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings offense, the Vikings' attack resembled the early-season version with a turnover-filled, low-yardage day. The Vikings' defense was stingy against Jaxson Dart and the Giants' offense.
Here are three takeaways from Sunday's win:
J.J. McCarthy gets injured
Obviously, the big news is the injury to McCarthy's right hand on a strip sack fumble by Brian Burns, who was unblocked on his way to the quarterback. The initial reaction to the injury is said not to be a long-term issue, but only two games are remaining for the Vikings either way. The coming days will give us clarity on the severity of the injury and the Vikings' plan for the end of 2025.
As for McCarthy's play, it looked like a step down from the past two weeks. McCarthy was charged with a fumble and interception, but had another interception called back on a penalty. Ryan Kelly left the game with an injury also and McCarthy took three sacks on the day. The Vikings quarterback finished with a 58.0 QB rating.
Blake Cashman's tackling show
Byron Murphy was credited with an interception, and the Vikings sacked Dart five times, but Blake Cashman finished with 16 tackles (7 solo). The Giants averaged 4.3 per rush and rushed for 128 yards, but Cashman was everywhere on Sunday and finished every play, it felt like. PFF credited Cashman with six defensive stops, a pressure, and a hurry.
Talk about stuffing the stat sheet.
The Vikings interior offensive line
Losing Kelly after 21 snaps doesn't help, but the bottom four in pass blocking grades were the two guards and the two centers. Donovan Jackson, Will Fries, Ryan Kelly, and Michael Jurgens combined to allow ten pressures, six hurries, three QB hits, and a sack. The two starting tackles, Justin Skule and Brian O'Neill, allowed three pressures, two hurries, and a QB hit.
It was a tough day at the office for the offensive line, but the Giants front four does provide a tough challenge given the talent across it. Jurgens, who replaced Kelly, finished with a 10.9 pass blocking grade in true pass sets. Ouch.
Minnesota draws Aiden Hutchinson and the Detroit Lions next week for a divisional matchup.