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Between the disappointing but close loss to the Steelers in Dublin in Week 4 and the skin-of-the-teeth Vikings win over the Browns in London, Head Coach Kevin O'Connell told Minnesota's players that people who look for excuses usually find them.

Despite injuries mounting, including three starters going on Injured Reserve last week, a prolonged travel schedule Saturday that involved the team charter getting close to Milwaukee but turning around to return to MSP (mechanical issue) and then boarding another plane, and more injuries at key positions occurring in-game, the Vikings prevailed over the Giants 16-13 Sunday in Week 16.

Nobody went lookin'.

Not when Jonathan Greenard, Joshua Metellus and Christian Darrisaw were placed on season-ending Injured Reserve.

Or when the team spent roughly 10 hours on buses and airplanes — more than the voyage to Dublin or return from London — just to get to the New Jersey hotel around 11:30 p.m. (ET).

Or when Jordan Mason, Ryan Kelly and J.J. McCarthy departed in the first half Sunday at the Giants.

Instead, the team went findin' another win.

Sure, everyone is correct to point out how bad things have been for the New York Giants and how they actually benefit greatly by keeping their hold on the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but that's the team that was in scheduled for the Vikings on this game day (I'm sure Minnesota would not have minded disrupting an earlier brutal stretch of playoff-bound teams with this matchup), and the team in Purple prevailed.

Minnesota improved to 7-8 on the season and has a shot to finally get back to .500 when it hosts Detroit (8-7) on Thursday in the middle game of a Christmas Day triple-header. Kickoff for that one is 3:30 p.m. (CT) on Netflix (WCCO in the Twin Cities also will have the game).

One year after the teams were a combined 29-5 in the 2024 regular season, the Lions are trying to stave off elimination, which would occur with one more loss or one more Packers win at any point in the final two weeks.

We'll obviously update you when we know more about the status of Mason, Kelly and McCarthy, but this story has what was known immediately after the game.

Before we get to fans' questions, I'd just like to wish everyone peace, comfort and joy this holiday season and send special thoughts to family and friends in places I've previously called home, as well as our readership and "emailership" at Vikings.com.

This was an interesting late-season matchup. The Vikings offense proves it can move the ball but doesn't finish with TDs enough and had other weak performances by the offense: strip sack for a Giants TD heading into halftime, too many pre-snap penalties, overall weak performance by our receivers to include a dropped TD pass and served up interception off of Nailor's hands, and a pick six deflected pass off of Nailor that was luckily called back? The defense gives up too many running yards and lets Jaxson Dart stay on the field too long but does play well overall. Below are my 3 Ups and 3 Downs for the game:

UPS:

1. Nice fourth-down stop by our defense on the Giants opening possession.

2. Nice interception by Byron Murphy, Jr., off the Giants tight end. We will take that one. And J.J.'s scramble for a TD, too.

3. Beautiful fourth-quarter scoring drive led by Brosmer to take the lead late in the game. Especially Brosmers third-down throw and Jefferson's amazing sideline catch for a first down. Followed by the defense's fourth-quarter stop at the 2-minute warning. And Brosmer and Aaron Jones sealing it. Excellent all the way around.

DOWNS:

1. J.J. opens the game with another batted pass. He needs to be coached on how not to keep doing this.

2. More horrible play on offense heading to halftime. Just unacceptable that we have a pass protection breakdown with seconds left in the half that gets J.J. hammered, injured and knocked from the game, and gives the Giants a strip sack fumble recovery TD. Unmitigated disaster.

3. Vikings penalties — all of them on every phase: offense, defense and special teams. Took away momentum, helped the Giants, and of course came at the worst times.

Even setting aside J.J. McCarthy's latest injury, I just don't think our offense is as good as Coach O'Connell thinks it is at any position group. I hope J.J. is all right. Looking forward to the Lions.

Respectfully,

— Jeff L.

That's two trips to MetLife Stadium for the Vikings defense since the 2024 opener and two games without allowing an offensive touchdown by the Giants. It's a really impressive showing by the unit led by Brooklyn native Brian Flores, and O'Connell thought so as well, awarding a game ball to every player on the defense.

Despite running 18 of their first 19 offensive plays on the Vikings half of the 50-yard line, the Giants had just three points to show for it.

Minnesota has not allowed a passing touchdown in six consecutive games this season.

It was cool to see Murphy rewarded with a tipped-pass INT for his first snag of the season, 10^th as a Viking and 15^th of his career. Minnesota has been close to gathering a tip so many times this season. Not only did Murphy secure the football and return it 15 yards, but the offense capitalized on the drive that started in the red zone for a welcome does of complementary football.

Kudos to Brosmer for his efficient operation in the second half and clutch throw to Jefferson for 21 on third-and-17. He earned the first game-winning drive of his career.

I thought that was a pretty impressive pass breakup to open the game, and the Vikings did a good job of not getting rattled, picking up a third-and-11 on the way to an eventual field goal to start off the points-are-scarce game.

O'Connell did explain after the game that the play on which McCarthy was sacked and lost the football, resulting in the 27-yard touchdown for New York's only trip to the paint, was supposed to be a quick hitter but McCarthy was struggling to grip the ball.

Apparently, the hand injury occurred prior to McCarthy's 12-yard TD run. If ever in that situation again, ideally McCarthy can process fast enough to dirt the football to a running back (or even at the cost of intentional grounding in that situation) or just give himself up on a run, so the team can go into the locker room up 13-3.

The penalties that had been so problematic but were reduced reared their heads again. Some were guys going all-out during plays (more on that below), and there were a few others, but given the travel issues, some lapses could probably be expected.

In keeping with the song lyrics of the Christmas season, you know Bo Jackson, Gale Sayers and Teddy Bridgewater. But do you recall Greg Cook? Steve Emtman? Wendell Davis, Greg Childs? All are worth a Google. Very promising prospects with futures brighter than Rudolph's nose. But the injury Grinch stole years and careers from them and fans. Which brings us to the J.J. McCarthy saga. Two years into a rookie contract with more games missed due to injury than Packers QBs Bart Starr (7), Brett Favre (0) and Aaron Rodgers (16). Combined. That's over 40 Gold Jacket years. I am aware McCarthy's injuries are unrelated, fluke, whatever. Availability. Period.

He's got three years on that rookie contract. Use them all. But you don't go into June 2026 with Sam Howell and Brett Rypien as the rest of your QB room. I don't care how good a guy is in the meeting room, on the sideline, in the headphones, on the practice field. If he can't play and win regular-season games, that backup spot needs a new name.

I'll leave specific game bright spots and gloomy moments for someone else to list. There were plenty of each. The game was a win. But it feels like a loss. Another outstanding defensive and special teams performance overshadowed by injuries, penalties, pass drops (!!) and low offensive output.

Two more games with a short week upon us. Let's play spoiler and console ourselves with the silver lining that if losses are coming, better draft position awaits.

Skol!

— Jeff in Sacramento, California

Admittedly, I was not familiar with Cook, Emtman or Davis, but I had heard about Childs, even though he predated my time with the Vikings.

It's a unique situation for McCarthy because the injuries are so varied. The torn meniscus that he suffered in the 2024 preseason is the type of injury that is a one-instance, long recovery situation, and I believe it delayed some of his career progression.

The high-ankle sprain, which again appeared to be a result of a hip-drop tackle, further delayed development. Concussion protocol also is differentiated, but it appears that McCarthy has been a little more cautious at the ends of runs.

I'm not quite sure why the Packers had the run of health at the QB position they enjoyed for so long, but I do remember how much complaining people heard when Rodgers missed most of in 2017.

As of right now, Minnesota's QBs room has McCarthy, Brosmer and John Wolford (with Carson Wentz on Injured Reserve but participating in meetings). Wentz was on a one-year deal. I'm unsure if he has interest in returning to Minnesota, or if the team envisions that. I do believe experience level at the position will be part of the general assessment.

J.J. McCarthy's — Latest setback:

McCarthy left the Week 16 game vs. the Giants with a throwing-hand injury after a strip-sack, and he did not return. His status for upcoming games is uncertain.

This is on top of earlier injuries this season — he missed multiple games with a high ankle sprain and a concussion.

So even though he played well when healthy, he's had multiple injury interruptions already this season.

Running backs — tough luck there, too:

Aaron Jones exited Week 16 with an ankle issue and also had missed time earlier this season due to a hamstring injury.

Jordan Mason also left the game injured, compounding the issue at the position.

That's a lot of wear on both starters, which hurts consistency and offensive flow.

Offensive line strain:

The O-line hasn't been spared either.

Christian Darrisaw was placed on season-ending IR.

Ryan Kelly left Week 16 with a concussion and is questionable for Week 17.

Other linemen (like Brian O'Neill) have been dealing with questionable/limited statuses throughout the stretch.

The cumulative effect: holes up front, which doesn't just affect running lanes — it also increases pressure on McCarthy and strains the QB.

Defense isn't untouched either:

Safety Joshua Metellus and edge rusher Jonathan Greenard were placed on IR.
That's two starters the defense has lost.

What this all adds up to:

It feels like the injury list keeps growing.

QB (McCarthy)

RB group (Jones/Mason)

Offensive line starters … have had a ripple effect on the offense's rhythm and play-calling.

That kind of instability makes it tough for any team to consistently click, especially late in the season.

— Toby in Alaska

The rampant injuries by the Vikings have really hurt the development of continuity, and we saw Minnesota meander for quite a bit of this season.

Toby sums it up really well.

The Vikings are trying to close out a challenging campaign with as much momentum to try to carry into 2026.

Nice to get the Dub. But my question is, are players allowed to sack the QB? On two separate occasions, we get the sack that looked clean, and it was called roughing the passer. What was illegal on those hits?

— Mike in Olivia, Minnesota

That was a disappointing outcome at the end of sacks by Harrison Smith early and Eric Wilson late that could have added to Minnesota's tally of 5 that did count.

Smith went screaming through on a third-and-6, but instead of forcing a 59-yard field goal attempt or quick punt, New York was awarded another set of downs and the ball at the Minnesota 15-yard line. The Vikings eventually halted the drive when Jalen Redmond cleanly dropped Jaxson Dart on fourth-and-5.

I didn't see as many replays of Smith's hit, but I did see the Wilson one a couple of times. It seemed Dart kind of crouched, lowering his head a bit as Wilson was trying to wallop him in the permitted strike zone.

I don't mind refs protecting all quarterbacks equally, so by the letter of the law, striking the helmet is a penalty. It's just really tough on defenders if a quarterback gets lower than the defensive player believes he will be.

I didn't get to see it in person, but I followed on the radio and the NFL Channel, seeing the highlights. It didn't seem to be an interesting game.

Four comments about the game and team.

1. Our WRs must stop dropping passes. Nailor, Addison and even Justin in past games. He was outstanding today. Is it that the pass is just too difficult to catch, or is it a disease? They did show improvement, however.
2. I hope that J.J. is not an injury-prone excellent ball player. So far it is not looking good. It doesn't matter how he gets injured, if that is determined, it must be considered for the future. A durable QB is the way we get to the Super Bowl. Example, Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. Finally, Mahomes got injured after it didn't matter anymore for this year and three Super Bowl wins. Wouldn't that be nice for J.J. and our Vikings in the next years.
3. Officiating and PENALTIES. (This officials team calls the most in the NFL). More than 22 called and 22 accepted. Can the team prepare for lots of potential ones and play accordingly? Can that crew be talked to by the NFL in the offseason? They can't be evenly given, but we overcame just enough.
4. And again, we have our excellent defense to thank. Blake Cashman was awesome, and no passing TD allowed in six games, a record, hair on fire, game ball.

I'm looking forward to the Lions in the Whiteout.

SKOL,

— Gill Sorg in New Mexico

The drops were less than ideal. I would say the 20 mph winds and 38-degree wind chill could have factored in, but frankly, there have been drops this season in better conditions.

McCarthy's stat line and the flow of the game could have looked a lot different. I think it all boils down to more time on task between the QB and receivers, which is tough if McCarthy is sidelined down the stretch because every snap has so much value.

"Voice of the Vikings" Paul Allen always does his homework on tendencies of officiating crews, and I'm certain that teams do some prep work, particularly on finer details that may or may not have resulted in flags. Minnesota's penalties have been problematic this whole season. It just so happened that New York also had 11 count on the record.

How about Blake Cashman? Sixteen tackles and some tremendous leadership. He and C.J. Ham were selected last week by teammates to wear captains patches once Greenard and Metellus headed to Injured Reserve. O'Connell made sure to highlight Cashman during his locker room speech.

Our defense came to play today. The Giants could not get anything going and when we needed the big play, we got it. The same could be said about the offense. Too bad we can't defeat the injury bug. We need to shut him out and keep injuries to a minimum.

— Gerald Goblirsch

The Vikings defense recorded five sacks and allowed seven completions, limiting Dart to 33 passing yards and a passer rating of 27.4. That amounted to 13 net passing yards and one long completion that gained 14. Incredible, even though New York was without Malik Nabers and had injuries along the offensive line.

Can somebody please explain with 53 seconds to go in the first half, why was there no hurry-up? They take their time and get sacked and injured!!! Makes absolutely no sense at all to me. K.O. needs some Mike Zimmer in him. My mom always said nice guys finish LAST!

— Derek in North Dakota

I lean more conservatively than others, so in that type of game, I could make a strong case for a couple of handoffs to Zavier Scott instead of trying to strike for another field goal.

A two-score lead with momentum is a precious thing for a road team, especially when the home crowd does not seem to be delivering much juice.

Thank you for being such a team player, Justin Jefferson.

Why are J.J. McCarthy's throws so hard to catch for our WRs?

Holiday greetings from Munich, Germany.

— Martin

Sunday's highlights and stats looked much more like what we've come to expect from Jefferson.

He broke Jarvis Landry's record for receptions within a player's first six seasons and moved within striking distance (27 to go) of Randy Moss' watermark for receiving yards in the same timeframe for a player. Jefferson will enter Week 17 with 917 yards, needing 83 more to post his sixth consecutive season with 1,000 yards.

It was cool that Jefferson was mic'd up for the win at Dallas and celebrated teammates doing well. He didn't do that just cause he was wired. Folks were able to see his excellence as a teammate.

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