J.J. McCarthy is set to return to his starting role this week for the Minnesota Vikings.
His coach is trying to simplify things as much as possible for the struggling quarterback.
Minnesota (4-8) will find out whether its “less is more” approach can succeed when it squares off against the Washington Commanders (3-9) on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.
The matchup offers an opportunity for McCarthy to improve upon a flawed first season as the team’s starter. He returned to practice this week after missing last week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks because he was in the concussion protocol.
The Vikings were shut out 26-0 as undrafted rookie Max Brosmer threw four interceptions in his first career start. Now the focus turns back to McCarthy, who has thrown six touchdowns and 10 interceptions in a half-dozen starts this season.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said he is not as focused right now on topics such as improving McCarthy’s footwork or refining his throwing motion.
“It’s purely about decision-making at this point,” O’Connell said. “I want him to have a clear head and a clear mind to just go play, but play with an understanding of, ‘The decisions that I make … have to be of the utmost importance.’ Because we learned our turnover number is where it is. It’s not a winning formula.
“I don’t want him overthinking or worrying about if the fundamentals need to be changed. Let’s just make the throws. Let’s just throw and catch. Let’s just play with great rhythm and understanding of the plan.”
As for Washington, coach Dan Quinn is staying tight-lipped about a potential return for Jayden Daniels.
Daniels has missed the past three games with a dislocated left elbow, and he had not been cleared for contact when practice started this week. He did throw passes on a side field during practice, and Quinn said he would wait until at least Friday to determine Daniels’ status for the weekend.
Veteran Marcus Mariota has taken on the starting role while Daniels has been sidelined. The 32-year-old has posted a 1-5 record as a starter this season, and he has thrown nine touchdowns and six interceptions.
The Commanders are coming off a 27-26 loss in overtime against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night. The game marked Washington’s seventh straight loss, and the team will go for its first victory since Oct. 5 when it kicks off versus the Vikings.
Quinn said one reason for optimism was the improved play of the Commanders’ offensive line. He praised right guard Sam Cosmi in particular for his development alongside right tackle Josh Conerly Jr.
“It might have been Sam’s best game, so that was good,” Quinn said after reviewing game film. “… It felt like him and Josh have felt more cohesive, and that continuity is helping because now they’ve been in that rhythm a good bit together.”
The Vikings have won the past three matchups in the series. Washington is looking for its first win over the Vikings since 2016, and it is looking for its first victory in Minnesota since 2007 – before the Vikings moved into U.S. Bank Stadium near the site of the old Metrodome.
