Minneapolis, MN – As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for their Week 11 matchup, quarterback JJ McCarthy is openly acknowledging the need for improvement in one of the most critical areas of his game – accuracy.
Speaking to reporters this week, McCarthy, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season, admitted that his performance has not been up to his own high standards. “There’s no sugar-coating it – my accuracy hasn’t been where it needs to be, and I know that,” McCarthy said. “I’m my toughest critic, and I’m always looking for ways to get better, especially in those key moments when precision matters most.”
After a series of inconsistent performances, McCarthy, the former Michigan standout, has had a few bumps in the road adjusting to the NFL level. His decision-making has been sharp, but his throw placement at times has been off, leading to missed opportunities and occasional turnovers. These inaccuracies have led to growing concerns, but McCarthy’s transparency and willingness to work through these challenges has been a source of encouragement for his coaches and teammates.
“I’m constantly working with the coaching staff on my mechanics,” McCarthy continued. “Whether it’s footwork, release point, or just staying calm in the pocket, I know I’ve got to tighten it up.”
The Vikings, who acquired McCarthy in a trade during the offseason, remain confident in his ability to turn things around. Offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell expressed optimism in his quarterback’s growth and potential. “JJ’s got all the talent in the world. We’re seeing progress every week, and we trust that he’ll clean up those inconsistencies in his game,” O’Connell said. “His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has been impressive, and we’re confident he’ll make the adjustments needed to become even more accurate.”
The Vikings, currently in a tight NFC North race, understand the importance of McCarthy getting his accuracy dialed in as the season progresses. With the playoffs within reach, McCarthy’s development will be a key factor in Minnesota’s success.
“I know the team is counting on me, and I’m focused on improving every single day,” McCarthy added. “I’m ready to take that next step and help this team win games.”
As Week 11 approaches, the Vikings will be watching closely to see if McCarthy’s adjustments pay off, and if his accuracy improves in what promises to be a pivotal game.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday for the second time in the 2025 season. Pittsburgh lost the first matchup to the Bengals earlier in the season, and the Steelers are 1-2 since that loss. The Steelers desperately need to get back in the win column as their lead in the AFC North has dropped to just one game, but that will be hard to do against the potent offense of the Bengals, especially with the Steelers’ offense struggling mightily over the last two weeks.
Pittsburgh’s defense was horrendous during the last matchup with Cincinnati. The group gave up 33 points and couldn’t find a way to stop the Bengals on the ground or through the air. Fans are hoping for a different outcome on Sunday, but that is going to be hard to come by as Pittsburgh is dealing with some significant injuries on that side of the football. The franchise’s injury report came out on Friday, and Alex Highsmith , Darius Slay, and Cole Holcomb were all ruled out for the rematch with Cincinnati.
Slay exited Pittsburgh’s Week 10 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers as he was being evaluated for a concussion, and he has been in the league’s concussion protocol throughout the week. Hopefully he can return in Week 12, but he will miss the matchup with the Bengals. The same goes for Highsmith who is dealing with a pectoral injury.
Holcomb will also miss his third straight game due to an illness, but he did return to the practice field this week which should allow for him to return in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. The Slay and Highsmith news is much more significant as those are two regular starters for Pittsburgh, and Highsmith has been playing well in recent weeks when it comes to getting to the passer.
Cincinnati rosters arguably the best wide receiver duo in the league, which is why a good pass rush and coverage are so vital when it comes to beating them. The Steelers will have to find a way to do that without Highsmith. Nick Herbig will see the field more due to Highsmith’s absence, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing as he has played well throughout his young career and has seemed to take another step forward in 2025. Slay will likely be replaced in the starting lineup by James Pierre, as the coaching staff seems to like keeping Jalen Ramsey at safety.
Pierre has played well in 2025 despite seeing limited opportunities. He is currently eighth in the league when it comes to pass breakups, but he should be prepared to be targeted quite a bit while going up against a veteran quarterback.
The left side of the offensive line is a little banged up in Pittsburgh. Broderick Jones was dealing with a groin injury throughout the week, but he should be ready to go on Sunday, while Isaac Seumalo is in danger of missing his second straight game as he has been ruled questionable. The veteran guard has been fighting a nagging pectoral injury, and he has exited games in recent weeks for that issue. He missed Pittsburgh’s game against the Chargers in Week 10.
Spencer Anderson filled in at left guard, but he gave up four pressures in the loss to Los Angeles, which is concerning for this matchup with Cincinnati. This could also affect Pittsburgh’s “jumbo package,” which has been a big key for the offense when it comes to running the ball well.