Mailbag: The fans' reaction to the 31-0 victory

Minnesota Breaking News

Have a comment or question?Send by email!Every Monday we post a few comments and/or questions.Click here to submit a comment or question to receive emails.Include your name and market in the letter.If Twitter/X is a traffic jam, you can send me a question that way.

2025 pitched its last perfect game — or its second most — on Sunday to claim a 31-0 victory.

Minnesota said last week it was planning to streamline some of the offense, and it appears the effort is leading to a clean execution and a quick start.

The opening 61-yard touchdown drive did not require a third-down conversion after standing on the Minnesota defense's goal line. The offense drove 98 yards on 19 plays, converting three third downs.

The defense liked to play with a lead and the special teams provided a quick spark to open the game with a 35-yard punt return by Myles Price and remained solid throughout the day.

Andrew Van Ginkel intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards, and Harrison Smith recorded his 38th career sack, tying him with Ring of Honor safety Joey Brauner for fourth in franchise history.Javon Hargrave was rewarded for his hustle as well.The big interior defensive tackle forced him to recover along Washington's end.

Minnesota improved to 5-8 on the season, which is not the team expected to get this result, but a positive result that respects the order (3-10).

Head coach Kevin O'Connell is now 34-4 when the game is tied or a turnover is won (Minnesota was plus-3 on the day with three turnovers and no turnovers).That's a .895 winning percentage.

We are happy to start today's questions with a photo submitted by our first entry in the Post.

My wife and I picked the perfect game for our annual pilgrimage to the US Bank Stadium "Mother Ship". The atmosphere was amazing as always, but it was made even more special by our best and most comprehensive all-around game of the year.It was J.J.'s best game.McCarthy's young career and so much fun to watch as he throws the ball to multiple targets, runs the play and sings the fight song multiple times.

For protection, science was blocked.The needs and desires felt like real protection.It can end up being a "house" in the history books, but this game is like the team they all know we can be.

Kudos to the entire Vikes staff for making attending a game one of the best experiences in major sports.

- Tom Wonder well in Pella, Iowa

First of all, great photos, and thanks for taking the trip up I-35, adding to a great atmosphere that at times goes beyond welcoming two teams having such disappointing seasons.

The team that played at U.S. Bank should be happy for the fans who will support them during irregular play.This is the 50th regular season win at U.S. Bank Stadium.By the way, how about Anthony Barr playing the Gjallarhorn in a Harrison Smith dress shirt?

McCarthy got off to a great start, completing all four passes he attempted for 46 yards, highlighted by the first of Josh Oliver's two touchdowns (his first multi-TD game).

Sunday was the first time they scored a touchdown in each quarter since Dec. 8, 2024. It was also the first shutout since a 3-0 win in Las Vegas on Dec. 10, 2023. I don't really know what this weekend is about, but they'd like to generate similar offensive and defensive performances going forward and do it more often.

While no two teams in the NFL are the same from year to year, the growth and development of the running backs will be important.

This offense is the whole time?This is our best game of all time.The offense has made many changes, giving 31 points, with a strong performance, long balance, good balance;Very impressive.Great guys on both sides of the ball.Below are the 3 UPS and 3 Downs for the game:

1. Back-to-back outstanding offensive possessions to open the game: First, starting with a big punt return at the 39. Then, a well-called and executed TD.Second, a sustained drive of 90+ yards with multiple third-down conversions during a well-called and executed offensive performance.The run-pass balance was great -- the run game with Aaron Jones Sr.and Jordan Mason was on point, as was J.J.McCarthy's passing game.Those two TD units were simply excellent.Very well done.

2. Defense gets three outs after second tdd.A good defensive stop and a forced punt followed at the end of the first half.Great defensive play to end the first half;Especially given our progress on the first Washington drive.

3. Two defensive tackles in the third quarter.First Gink's Jayden Daniels, then Harrison Smith's interception of Marcus Mariota.This was followed by a beautiful short TD drive by J.J.McCarthy and the offense after the second interception.These two interceptions only stole the entire third quarter from Washington.What the doctor ordered!

1. The defense played as poorly on the first down as the offense played well on their first possession: leaving Terry McLaurin wide open, not tackling Deebo Samuel, letting them tackle first and 20 and third and 14, allowing another no-name running back to run all over our defense?TD passed. So happy to straighten the defense ship for the rest of the game.

2. Another poor end to the first half by our offense. It looks like j.J.thought his pass would go right through Lynn blocking.Avoiding passes is not George's forte.McCarthy's.

3. Coach O'Connell just starts to grow out of his stubbornness.Second-and-goal from the 3-yard line in the fourth quarter made it 24-0 when we ran all over Washington and he passed twice?Single-worst two-game streak of the season.We just chase them in the fourth quarter and he does?I certainly hope he thinks about these two sports from a decision-making and judgment standpoint.

It's a fun game to watch.A great bounce back game for the team.Already looking forward to the Cowboys.

- Jelly L.

Yesterday, 19 kickoffs for over 98 yards, 19 kickoffs for at least 2,000 yards

It was nice to see the design done neatly with more of an "all 11" feel than we've seen too often this season.McCarthy played quarterback and handled some pressure and used his mobility, an aspect that has largely disappeared for several weeks.He also protected himself in scrimmages.

It's hard to imagine ever getting tired of watching Van Ginkel or Smith intercept footballs.

Today was an example of what could be.The offensive line featured five players that fans have been waiting for all year.The turnovers were in favor of the Vikings.31-0 dominance.

However, the pitcher gave us his first "breathless" of the season. A fan, but a razor thin spot. Many missed. I've never seen defenders run away to tackle runners and hands.

Regardless of mathematical formulas, this team plays for pride, player development and appreciation for the future.It was designed to see Bennaughton get action in passing on the defensive line.

As a fan, I've been paying attention to the draft. Honestly, I don't think the position is unworkable for 1 pick. Even in prevelefief, I can make a case for a development pick. Wave? I doubt a true blue fip prospect will emerge from Minnesota. But I certainly won't get high-level competition for this position. The quality and quantity of the rookie class is rich and productive. Fingers crossed.

Also, they seem to have a philosophical decision to make.Play to McCarthy's current strengths and rely heavily on the runoff when you pass sparingly or provide Justin Jefferson and work to produce ways to put the ball in his hands with runs a threat rather than a habit.Most of the higher recipients are frustrated.

Hopefully today's win stops the coaching calls.Good coaches are good coaches.They deserve the storms.I'm in favor of changing the head coach if the coach loses the locker room and the players don't listen and play for the coach.I seriously doubt that is the case here.

This week the score is 1-0.It was fun.Let's do it again.Moving to Dallas.

- Saremento's Jeff,

There will be many mitigating factors to evaluate this season.

The projected five starts (after the game was out of bounds, Kristian Darisov was rested) after missing left tackle to start Week 13 at Seattle and once again dealing with the loss of center Ryan Kelly to the Seahawks.

Minnesota doesn't have the numbers from the news advisor, but we could be happy with a couple of pool rosters to get it back into the playoffs.

Instead, the current sales of this number are the belief and motivation exercised about the inevitable changes in the list.

A McCary team shows an ability to get the football in multiple picks to be able to select another safety or be given Jeffsson's command.Eight different teams have at least one pass, good to see gccarthy getting the ball out to others.

We spend a lot of time discussing everything, so I don't walk in that water / still want to put my feet on ice.

He tried to get the ball to Jefferson and had several chances in the second half, but unfortunately the defense didn't have enough time for McCarthy to get up and make the shot (O'Connell said the QB was "displaced" by the pressure). Another target in the end zone was thwarted by the pressure that came the moment McCarthy released the football. If either or both of these go well, Jeffersonyour stats will look different.

Jeff's last point about good boxes is that they are suitable for opportunities to work through problems that are stable during periods of uncertainty or uncertainty that often occur.

Two tied teams played with guys in purple, both on defense and on defense.Conservatism on offense, but proven to help our young qb.I wish k.o.hosted a similar match last week, but no matter.We won, that should help in the end.

- Nicolaus Falkow

The adjustments I made turned out well.Minnesota was able to operate several different personnel groups and keep the chains moving.It will be interesting to see what happens next, especially as Dallas faces a must-win situation for the Cowboys' playoff hopes.

Nalini Tina Vs Somender Vs Match of the Week 14 at Bank Stadium.

It goes with all of our offensive line, and although we did well, it still had a lot of not-so-good defense against it.You don't think after Garrett Bradberry in New England and Ed Ingram doing well in Texas, we need an offensive line coach, since our offensive line has been the biggest problem.I believe Sam Darnold would still be here if we had an offensive line that did well in both of those last year.

— Toby I Alaska

McCarthy was sacked four times for negative 12 yards (and hit a total of six times) but he protected the football at every turn.

I will point out again that Minnesota's offensive line plan has rarely been executed this season.It's one of the wildest runs for any position group in memory.This group continues to work hard, and it would be good if the "intended five" could remain on the field to provide a better evaluation of the group, as well as McCarthy and other aspects of the offense.

Things are going well for bradberry (in New England) and Tousmim (and Houston), kudos to those guys.Every year we see free training in a different environment, and usually this is the situation that the player brought to the time of the rest of the players.

Darnid is ready to stay with another opportunity to decide to pursue.The sea has called it, but the defense of the house and the speed is played well.

I'm a big fan and it was great to see a close win on Sunday.I feel bad, but why K.o. I don't understand.He wasted no time at the end of the first half.Washington was very disciplined and could have given the vikes a chance to get a one-tenth goal before the half.

- Carl Jarvis

Minnesota may have spent the next season on a losing streak against Samuels, Jr., but Washington is third-and-11 at this point.

Instead, O'Connell was content to take a 14-0 lead into the locker room, and I don't blame him.With Washington opening the ball to open the second half, it is pragmatic in that situation to shift the momentum in the direction of the commanders.

According to the latter indicators, Minnesota in the half (ie 14-0) 88 percent.

We are very glad to win the game, and in a payment number.

Four -

They took the lead 14-0 at the beginning.This is very important because all our losses are proven.

J.J.’s game plan was much better.McCarthy, easier, simpler.Twenty-three and thirty-four passes are the winning strategies.It's about gaining experience and confidence.

NO damage, again, as you know, matters to win the game, which is part of this game plan.

I wish someone could catch more passes for more yards;This is one thing for him, Jordan Adrian, Jalenk, Josh Oliva, Asron Jones and T.J.made free throws to win the game.It will be fixed soon.

Necessary, not great.Another of the NFL's best defenses: Three turnovers and three scores.We cannot praise them enough.Hello Van Zingkel!Maybe he should use a little speed, ha!Don't we love him?

So Cowboys.It could be a win even if it's in Dallas.Can't wait to see the game.Don't change the plan: four more wins with the Bears, Packers and Lions beating each other, who knows.

- Giles sorghum in New Mexico

The defense is a real thing to see when you have the opportunity to play in the lead.Minnesota was told instead of trying to slow down.

The balance started with three runs and four passes and continued throughout the game.

I remind you that when O'Connell finishes, they basically won eight out of nine games.

Several times I've seen Jefferson back up his teammates after a pick, including picks he enabled by drawing multiple defenders to him.He is an undisputed star and an even better teammate.

A healthy offensive line.

Offensive Hits: RUN 162 and PASS 151.

Good ball distribution - 8 different players are in reception.

We won the turnover battle 3-0.

Just three penalties for 24 yards.

We won the check-in time from 34:52 to 25:08.

J.J.quickly released the ball.

Let's carry the momentum of a well-played game into next week's game.

-Gerald Goblerich

That time of possession should be a welcome sight for a defense that will now turn its attention to an explosive Dallas offense that will have an extra day after playing at Detroit on Thursday to open Week 14.

I want to see if there is a team that has been able to reduce this season and Sunday football can.

They'll have to watch another week of a team that gives turnovers at the wrong time, sees a procession of quarterbacks under the middle, and doesn't get points early when they're getting them.

The good news is that this week the opposition found new legs to project itself on.

If you don't drive for 12 minutes, there are some decent games waiting for you.Guys, I know you will.

— Ian Bowden, The Southport Viking, UK

Washington rushed seven times for 40 yards in the opening period (including two touchdowns from Daniels, who wasn't much bigger, including better.

I don't really know why the Commanders didn't run the ball in that situation, but they were able to lock down those passes.Washington also felt too good to give Minnesota the ball at the 2-yard line, even though the first possession was successful.

Check out the pregame photos for the Week 14 game against the hosts at U.Stadium.Bank.

Before everyone throws the next Tarkton McCarth, we need to remember that the team beat a team with 3 wins!

That means Washington is even worse this season.

Look for success, but don't get ahead of yourself.

- John S.

I don't think there's any rush for a coronation ceremony, but I think it's good to enjoy a good opportunity for a 22-year-old who has been attacked from many directions and closely scrutinized.

Tarkenton's completed career was Hall of Fame worthy, but people mostly focused on four seasons ('13, '16 and '16!), his 15th season in the NFL.

Granted, it was a better roster than the expansion team, but Minnesota went 4-19-1 in Tarkenton's first two seasons as a starter, and he had a 52.5 percent completion percentage and a 40-42 TD-to-INT ratio from 1961-62.

3-4 is capable of taking a long time, and it can be 4-3 in a 107 character cycle in a 107 character charge.

A big win over Washington was a very good and necessary victory.I'm sure it's even better for K.O.and the team.

I just want to say that I've been harsh in my criticism of JJ McCarthy in past mailbox posts, so I want to acknowledge the progress I've seen today.Our QB ran the game well.He made a choice in his movement, instead of trying to win the game on every throw, to put together a good football team and good players to go to the game with him.and avoid hitting balls into the double zone.

This allowed the defense to put on an absolute clinic today. Great job by this entire unit. I know that Washington Washington is not the Premier League this season, but this is the type of thing you should expect from a team as talented as Minnesota.

Decent QB play, fewer penalties, no turnovers, and our team looked like the team we all thought we'd see this season.

Enjoy the victory.skol!

- Mike at Arden Hills

MCCTShy was 16 of 23 with three pointers, no turnovers and a Superser rating of 129.2.This is a completion percentage of 69.6.All these passing things can contribute to winning football matches.

The new QB strikes me as someone who will always be self-critical and determined to continue improving his game.I think that's a good explanation for Mike's "Instead of trying to win the game with every shot" because O'Connell mentioned the power of finishing and the team was committed to finding those plays rather than chasing explosive plays (although some of them almost landed).

NGS tallied McCarthy's 2.56 second throw to tally his second-fastest single-game performance of the season.It sounds small, but it is bigAccording to NGS, McCurry has a 115-second 85-yard dash (up 2.5 seconds), with a 138.4 rating on that throw.

Awards on winter wheels

Join the live shows in December for a chance to win exclusive winter prizes including game tickets, photos and more!

Download the app and log in to participate.When you don't know when the next drop will be, turn on the "Contests and Promotions" notification in the application.Wait until the drop ends to save and win!

See the 2025 schedule.

Check out the Vikings' future opponents.

Buy single game tickets.

Download the official app.