ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys’ defense served as a slump buster of sorts for Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy in a 34-26 upset victory that all but eliminated Dallas from postseason contention. Skol chants ringing throughout AT&T Stadium served to mark the death of the Cowboys’ 2025 playoff hopes.
The second-year quarterback entered Week 15 ranking last in the NFL in completion percentage (56%), TD-to-INT ratio (9-10) and passer rating (67.4) this season among 34 qualified quarterbacks. McCarthy didn’t have much of a problem with Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ zone coverage scheme, throwing for 250 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception on 15 of 24 passing while also adding a one-yard rushing touchdown.
It initially appeared as though McCarthy would be in for a long night after his first pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage and then intercepted by Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams for the seventh-year All-Pro’s second career pick. Dallas marched right down the field for 35 yards, with help from a successful fake field goal run by kicker Brandon Aubrey for 6 yards, to take an early 7-0 lead. Cowboys running back Javonte Williams plunged into the end zone from a yard out for the game’s first touchdown.
McCarthy then completed 14 of his final 24 throws, appearing to be unfazed by the Cowboys pass rush. His first passing touchdown came on a picturesque play-action rollout to the left before he hit wide receiver Jalen Nailor right in the chest over Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland to tie the game at seven. Following Dallas’ six-play, 73-yard drive to answer with a one-yard rushing touchdown from backup running back Malik Davis, McCarthy griddied his way into the end zone. Facing a fourth-and-goal from the one, he faked handing the football off up the middle before dancing his way into the end zone untouched on a naked bootleg jog to the left pylon. In the second half, he hit Nailor again in the right flat to beat Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson for a four-yard touchdown.
It was obvious Sunday was an off night for Dallas with Aubrey with a rare two misses at AT&T Stadium. He pushed a 51-yard attempt just wide of the right up right for only his third miss (18-21) from 50-59 yards at AT&T Stadium in his three-year career before missing a 59-yarder well to the right to fall to 18-22 from that range.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott finished with 294 yards passing while completing 23 of his 38 throws. Dallas’ offensive line struggled in pass protection, which had Prescott scrambling and throwing on the run more than usual to begin the game. The Cowboys failed to find the end zone after their third drive of the game in the second quarter. Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb produced 111 yards receiving on 6 catches after returning from a concussion, but wide receiver George Pickens had a quiet 33-yard night on 3 catches a week after having his effort questioned in a 44-34 defeat at the Detroit Lions.
Dallas would need to win out and hope the Eagles lose their last three games to reach the playoffs or it will have a long offseason to ponder how to fix a defense that helped waste a top-five scoring offense in the prime of Prescott’s career in 2025.
