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McCarthy's struggles for the Vikings have had a ripple effect on their formula for success
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) looks to pass as Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary (52) tries to tackle during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. - photo by AP Photo/Mike Roemer
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The development process in the NFL for a quarterback learning the most demanding and difficult job in organized sports can test the patience of any coach or player, let alone the fans. The challenge of breaking in J.J. McCarthy that the Minnesota Vikings are in the thick of this season has been creating all kinds of cracks in their foundation for success, and the evidence was all over their latest loss. Despite beginning the game in Green Bay on Sunday with a ground-driven strategy that netted 69 yards on their first 10 handoffs, either to Aaron Jones or Jordan Mason, the Vikings trailed by two scores early in the third quarter and needed McCarthy in drop-back mode to have a realistic chance to rally.