For the New York Giants, Week 16 presents a clear defensive mandate: disrupt the rhythm of JJ McCarthy before the Vikings’ passing game can settle into comfort.
Within their offensive structure, Minnesota has asked a lot of McCarthy over the past month, and the redshirt rookie has responded by playing increasingly composed football. In recent weeks, McCarthy has been allowed to sit in clean pockets, calmly working through shallow and intermediate concepts while the Vikings’ front five has kept edge pressure at bay.
When McCarthy has time, Minnesota’s offense resembles controlled 7-on-7 football -- quick decisions, defined reads, and minimal chaos.