Jj McCarthys Vikings got the ball first, after returning from concussion the sophomore quarterback came out throwing the ball accurately.
The Minnesota Vikings opening drive was one of the best of their season marrying the run and pass early, as McCarthy goes four for four hitting Josh Oliver for seven points. 7-0
Jayden Daniels, came out firing quickly completing a big pass for 20 yards on the his first drive of the game, despite the fact Washington Commanders facing third and 19 a Deebo Samuel screen saw them convert into the red zone.
On fourth and goal Brian Flores’ defence did what they do best, bend and quite literally don’t break stopping them at the one on fourth and goal.
Despite being backed up on their own two yard line McCarthy kept up his composure and started getting a composed drive going, a drive which saw wide receiver one Justin Jefferson get involved and ended in a Jordan Mason touchdown, five third down conversions and 98 yards and the longest Vikings drive of the century. 14-0
Going into the two minute warning the Vikings had double the commanders time of possession, at 18 minutes compared to nine minutes from the commanders.
Coming out from half Jayden Daniels got away with one as a 12 man on the field saw a Daniel’s forced fumble get voided, the drive continued and at fourth and one Dan Quinn kept his offence out and a Zach Ertz catch saw them move the chains.
ASHBURN, VA – MAY 10: Head coach Dan Quinn of the Washington Commanders looks on during Washington Commanders Rookie Minicamp at OrthoVirginia Training Center on May 10, 2024 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The aggressive nature continue as at fourth and three Quinn kept Daniel’s on the field, which went against the commanders as Andrew Van Ginkle did what he does best batting Daniel’s pass and then intercepting it for 30 plus yard return.
Despite the interception Washington’s defence did what they needed to and forced a Will Richard field goal. 17-0
With Jayden Daniel’s in the blue medical tent Marcus Mariota took over to try and dig the commanders out of the hole, and on his first drive of the game he was picked of by the hitman Harrison Smith for his 38th interception, smith has more interceptions than any active player.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 07: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the second half against the Washington Commanders at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
McCarthy looking back to his best for the first time this season, as he hit multiple receivers and then hit Oliver for his second touchdown of the game. 24-0
The Vikings kept up relentless pressure and continued on their onslaught as McCarthy found another tight end for a score in T.j. Hockenson to make the final score 31-0.