Vikings' Passing Game Struggles as McCarthy Faces Challenges

In September 2025, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah set the table for the team's season, describing the physical and versatile squad he and coach Kevin O'Connell had assembled. However, the current reality paints a different picture, as the Vikings' passing game has failed to live up to expectations.

The team's reliance on the run game and early-down efficiency has become increasingly important, as they have struggled to play from behind. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, in his second year, has shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency, leading to concerns about his development. O'Connell has praised McCarthy's competitive fire, but acknowledges the need to control the game script to aid his growth, as most young quarterbacks cannot be relied upon to lift their team from significant deficits.

The Vikings' brass is in its fourth season and has yet to win a playoff game, putting pressure on the organization to determine where McCarthy stands at the sport's most important position. His performance over the next seven games will be a crucial data point as the team makes decisions about the quarterback room for the 2026 season.