
NFL Week 17 takeaways: Are Vikings on the Lions’, Eagles’ level? Should Cowboys keep McCarthy?
New York TimesWeek 17’s Sunday games brought crucial moments for coaches on the hot seat, teams battling for their playoff lives and, in some cases, both. Jones: The Vikings basically have everything it takes to contend for a championship: balanced offense, impactful defense, strong quarterback play, a quality offensive line and an innovative head coach with strong communication and motivational skills. Perception aside, if Darnold deals the way he did Sunday, and the way he’s dealt for most of the season, the Vikings are very capable of making it to the NFC Championship Game. The Cowboys might advance further in the near future if they don’t have to take a step back first, and a new coaching staff almost always means a step back. The Bengals are better than their record suggests, so it’s far less egregious for Denver to lose to an explosive and highly motivated Cincinnati team led by Joe Burrow, who would have garnered MVP consideration had his defense not let him down so many times this season.
History of this topic

Vikings committed to J.J. McCarthy as starting QB after considering Aaron Rodgers, AP source says
Associated Press
Vikings agree to deals with C Ryan Kelly, CB Isaiah Rodgers and bring back CB Byron Murphy
Associated Press
Vikings face more QB questions with Darnold’s expiring contract and McCarthy’s knee recovery
Associated Press
Ex-Cowboys star emerges as potential Mike McCarthy replacement
Daily Mail
Darnold and Vikings will look for answers instead of getting a playoff bye
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Bears request permission to interview Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy: Source
New York Times
Mike McCarthy ‘absolutely’ wants to return as Cowboys coach, owner Jerry Jones still not definitive
Associated Press
What will Jerry Jones decide about Mike McCarthy? Potential timeline of decision, more
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Lions and Vikings wrap up NFL’s regular season by playing for top seed in NFC
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Dan Quinn returns to Dallas with playoff-bound Commanders as Cowboys finish difficult season
Associated Press
Darnold gives Vikings another gem with career-high 377 yards in 27-25 win over Packers
Associated Press
What we learned in NFL Week 17: Vikings alive for top seed, Colts ‘embarrassing’
New York Times
Vikings hold off Packers for 9th straight win, shot at NFC’s No. 1 seed: Key takeaways
New York Times
Russini’s what I’m hearing: Vikings want Darnold back in 2025, Watson’s new deal, Brady’s big role
New York Times
Stephen Jones says Mike McCarthy has done an ‘outstanding’ job amid Cowboys’ injuries
Associated Press
Quarterback carousel should start spinning for a couple of NFL teams: Analysis
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Cowboys mailbag: Why a midseason coaching change is unlikely and … hope for the future?
New York Times
Cowboys’ Mike McCarthy on Troy Aikman’s WR comments: ‘They don’t carry any weight with me’
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Vikings come up short in loss to Lions, and fixing the small details must be the focus
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If Lions had any doubters, Vikings win provided reassurance this team is among NFL’s best
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Analysis: J.J. McCarthy’s injury will have minimal impact this year if Sam Darnold performs well
Associated Press
J.J. McCarthy is done for the season, and the Vikings are left to pick up the pieces
New York Times
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New York Times
Vikings QB McCarthy held out of practice with soreness in right knee after promising preseason debut
Associated Press
Vikings ownership says patience with McCarthy will be prioritized, as rookie QB develops
Associated Press
Vikings stick to process with McCarthy, as Darnold’s presence keeps pressure off rookie QB
Associated Press
Vikings trade up twice in NFL draft. They take Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy, Alabama edge Dallas Turner
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Mike McCarthy sells belief in playoff breakthrough that has eluded Cowboys
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Mike McCarthy will return as coach of the Dallas Cowboys after stunning wild-card loss
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The Cowboys are keeping Mike McCarthy: Here are 5 things that must change in Year 5
New York Times
Stunned Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn’t address Mike McCarthy’s future after wild-card loss
Associated Press
Vikings still struggling to stop the quarterback carousel from spinning with Cousins out
Associated Press
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How the Cowboys plan to change the offense with Mike McCarthy calling plays
New York Times
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Vikings can clinch NFC North on road against surging Lions
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McCarthy back at Lambeau as Cowboys visit desperate Packers
Associated Press
Cowboys take ‘unthinkable’ 6-2 record, high hopes into bye
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Cowboys face same questions after another early playoff exit
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Cowboys deliver on coach’s guarantee, beat rival Washington
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Associated Press
McCarthy gets another try with brand name as Cowboys coach
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AP sources: Cowboys interviewing Mike McCarthy, Marvin Lewis
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Rosenfels: On a win that was not equal, and fun with comparing players to cars
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