The Dallas Cowboys have been used to giving the opposing quarterbacks some of their best days, and J.J. McCarthy's performance on Sunday night was no different.
The second-year Vikings QB threw for 250 yards and was responsible for three touchdowns, two in the air and one on the ground. On McCarthy's rushing TD, he completely fooled the Dallas defense on a play fake going to his left side with no one to stop him.
Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reminded fans that this isn't new for the Cowboys' defense, as they have allowed opposing quarterbacks to perform to their peak against America's Team this season. Giants QB Russell Wilson's 450 yards in Week 2 were all we needed to see as a preview for what would become an embarrassment for the Cowboys all season long.
Cowboys' defense have given opposing QBs field days all season long
A stat in this story - The Cowboys defense have allowed four quarterbacks to throw for a season-high in passing yards this season:
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) December 15, 2025
Russell Wilson - 450 yards
Caleb Williams - 298 yards
Justin Fields - 283 yards
J.J. McCarthy - 250 yards
Two more have had their second-highest… https://t.co/qr5kp2nJ4w
McCarthy, who has struggled mightily in his second season, has only gotten into a rhythm as of late. Even with Justin Jefferson having a quiet game against Dallas, it didn't matter, as McCarthy found a way to make it work essentially without his All-Pro receiver. His quick release worked last week against Washington, and it proved to be one of the best outings in his young career. He was able to continue that momentum against Dallas.
Even in a blowout win against the Jets, Justin Fields couldn't even be stopped. On multiple occasions, Fields has thrown for less than 100 yards this season. The Jets have been one of the NFL's worst, and the Cowboys are the team responsible for giving Fields his best passing yardage of the season.
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Caleb Williams and the Bears have enough of a balanced offensive attack, but that didn't matter against Dallas, as Williams went for arguably his best game of the season, with four touchdowns thrown and no interceptions.
The Cowboys haven't been good on defense at all, as they've been near dead last in every major category. att Eberflus hasn't put enough pressure on quarterbacks, and opposing receivers have taken advantage of busted coverages all season long.
All of this has added up to average quarterbacks like McCarthy feasting against the Cowboys. It's happened all season long, and Cowboys fans expect it at this point.
With Marcus Mariota and Jaxson Dart left on the Cowboys' schedule, it wouldn't be surprising to see either one of those quarterbacks have respective field days in the final two weeks of the season.