The Minnesota Vikings haven’t had much to celebrate this season, but Sunday night gave them a much-needed jolt. In front of a national audience on Sunday Night Football, they pulled off a 34-26 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
It was one of those games that reminded fans there’s still some fight left in this team. But even in victory, the Vikings couldn’t escape the injury bug - and this one hurts.
Star pass rusher Jonathan Greenard, one of the defense’s emotional and on-field leaders, left the game with a shoulder injury that will require season-ending surgery. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the news on Monday, calling Greenard a “captain and leader” whose impact has gone far beyond the stat sheet.
And make no mistake - the stats have been impressive. Over the past two seasons, Greenard established himself as one of the premier edge threats in the league, racking up 12+ sacks in both 2023 and 2024.
This year, though, has been a different story. He’s been banged up most of the way, and the shoulder issue that finally took him out in Week 15 had been lingering for weeks.
He still managed to suit up for 12 games, but the production - just three sacks - reflected a player not operating at full capacity.
That said, Greenard was making his presence felt before exiting Sunday’s game. He tallied four tackles, three quarterback hits, and got home for a sack on Dak Prescott. His burst off the edge looked more like vintage Greenard, and it’s a tough blow for a defense that had just started to find its footing again.
The Vikings’ defense, to their credit, tightened up when it mattered. After giving up some early scores, they clamped down in the red zone and shut the Cowboys out of the end zone entirely in the second half. That defensive stand was a big reason Minnesota was able to close things out and move to 6-8 on the year.
Now, with the postseason officially out of reach, the Vikings’ focus shifts to the future - and that future starts with JJ McCarthy. The rookie quarterback had his best showing yet on Sunday night.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was promising. He showed poise, made some big throws, and looked more comfortable running the offense than he has at any other point this season.
For a team that’s been searching for a long-term answer under center, that’s exactly what you want to see as the season winds down.
As for the Cowboys, this loss all but buries their playoff hopes. Now sitting at 6-7-1, they’ve been officially eliminated from wild card contention.
Their only remaining path to the postseason is a long shot: win out and hope the Eagles lose out. Given the schedules, that scenario is hanging by a thread, if not already snapped.
So while the Vikings may not be heading to the playoffs, Sunday’s win gave them something to build on - a young quarterback flashing potential, a defense that showed some grit, and a reminder that even in a down year, there are still moments worth watching.