5 Keys for J.J. McCarthy to Build on Momentum vs. Giants
The Minnesota Vikings (6-8) enter Week 16 against the New York Giants (2-12) with more on the line than just another notch in the win column. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has shown better command of the offense, improved decision-making, and accuracy, and has just looked more comfortable in each of these last two games, leaving me in the camp of “cautiously optimistic.”
The Giants have struggled offensively this season, largely due to inconsistent quarterback play and injuries. Their defense remains disruptive up front, though filled with holes behind, making this matchup a big opportunity for McCarthy to stack good performances. As the Vikings consider McCarthy their 2026 starter, Sunday’s game will help assess the feasibility of that plan. With McCarthy’s stock on the rise, here are five things he must do Sunday—and how the Giants’ defense will try to stop him.
1. Win Pre and Post Snap: Identifying Pressure and Coverages
One big improvement over the last two games has been McCarthy’s increased decisiveness. Against New York, his skill to identify the defense at the line of scrimmage and post-snap will be tested early and often. His snap count with the offensive line has improved, and we have seen fewer false starts. This has enabled McCarthy to make a quicker decision at the top of his drop, where he wants to go with the ball.
Earlier in the week, reporters were treated to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins giving a masterclass breakdown of how he reads defenses and how he was asked to do more as a quarterback in Minnesota by head coach Kevin O’Connell, emphasizing pure progressions. He spoke about how defenses disguise in a way that makes it hard for quarterbacks to identify them until they are three steps into their drop.
The Giants’ defense will attempt to muddy the picture, as Cousins put it. Expect the defense to use late safety rotations and fake pressures to bait McCarthy into quick throws or pre-snap protection mistakes. New York will attempt to take advantage of a Minnesota offensive line that will be without LT Christian Darrisaw and possibly RT Brian O’Neill, who is listed as questionable.
2. Take the Checkdown Early When Open
One of the quiet improvements in McCarthy’s game has been his willingness to throw the checkdown. We have seen him go to his checkdown RB or TE much quicker, which has resulted in more completions due to them being more open and more yards after catch (YAC), with more time to turn upfield and make a move on a defender.
I, like many of you, have been yelling at my TV for him to throw it earlier in the play to a wide-open checkdown so they can actually do something with it. We are now seeing him do that, which has also increased his completion percentage. Throwing it earlier has led to more uncontested catches for the receiver.
New York will try to limit explosive plays by forcing McCarthy to be patient and creating more opportunities for him to make a mistake. The Giants’ corners will dare him to throw underneath to extend drives. This is where McCarthy must put defenses on notice. Hit running backs in the flat in stride, tight ends as an outlet, and the quick slants we have seen Kevin O’Connell add to the play-calling that has turned into manageable second and third downs.
The Vikings rank dead last at #32 in the league in Interceptions (20) for the season, and the Giants, who have only five interceptions on the year, will look to improve on that number.
3. Protect the Football in the Red Zone
In the last two games, the Vikings have only turned the ball over once. The Giants’ offense should struggle to score on a Vikings defense that hasn’t allowed a passing TD in five games. That makes red-zone efficiency for the Vikings and McCarthy paramount.
McCarthy must continue to show he can throw it away when needed and avoid drive-ending sacks. In those moments, letting Will “The Thrill” Reichard be clutch and kick a field goal is the right call. Touchdowns are ideal, but turnovers are killers.
4. J.J. Must Use His Legs When He Sees Green Grass
McCarthy’s athleticism is a sneaky weapon, but as we saw in the Cowboys game, he invites a collision when leading with his head. Over the last two games, he’s shown that running ability more, and that is a good thing. Just please slide when you can. We want to keep you off the injury report.
The Giants will try to force McCarthy into tight pockets so he can’t escape, especially with Darrisaw out and the looming decision on O’Neill for Sunday. The Vikings may have to roll McCarthy out on occasion with changes in protection to give him some extra room.
5. Start Fast and Control the Script
Perhaps the most important factor is starting the game fast. Jumping on the scoreboard early changes the entire dynamic of the game.
We’ve seen McCarthy thrive on scripted drives, giving Brian Flores & Company an early lead. If successful, the Giants may find it harder to be aggressive with disguised coverages and blitz pressure.
The Bigger Picture for Fans
This Week 16 matchup isn’t just about the scoreboard, but about continuing the development of McCarthy. As fans, we don’t need perfect, but we need McCarthy to keep trending upward in his development.
Growth isn’t always flashy in the stat sheet, but sometimes it looks like confidence, control, and consistency. Against the Giants, that’s exactly what the Vikings need.