Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy defied his head coach's orders when he Griddy'd his way into the end zone in Sunday's 34-26 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS — The Vikings are on a winning streak for the first time this season. The fact their back-to-back wins have come in their young quarterback’s two most professional outings of the season does not seem like a coincidence.

McCarthy, Minnesota’s 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has been a revelation for the Vikings this season. In seven games played thus far, the former Michigan Wolverines star has completed 102-of-182 passes (56.0%) for 1,092 yards and nine touchdowns. He also has 29 carries for 139 yards and two rushing TDs.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy lofts a 23-yard pass to wide receiver Jalen Nailor. Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockeson snatches a 29-yard pass from quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Jalen Nailor's second touchdown might turn out to be the Cowboys' death knell. The Vikings wide receiver caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from J.J. McCarthy, increasing Minnesota's lead to 31-23 with 9:12 remaining.

The Dallas Cowboys face the Minnesota Vikings in prime time and they need a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Follow along LIVE!

"You cannot not like him," Collinsworth said when NBC showed a clip of McCarthy high-fiving first responders before the game. "The guy, when he walks in the room, it's like somebody opened the shades and the sunshine came in. And so everybody's cheering for him. We want it to work. We just have to see it work."

The Dallas Cowboys are set to face the Minnesota Vikings today in a must-win game for both teams, as the outcome will determine playoff potential. The Vikings have already been knocked out of contention to win the NFC North,