The Minnesota Vikings achieved one of the most impressive results of Week 9 with a very important victory over the Detroit Lions (who were coming off a bye week), with the score of 27-24 representing a strong comeback for the team that still dreams of winning the NFC North.
However, one of the moments that attracted the most attention was a post by J.J. McCarthy, who did not forget the comments made by Dan Campbell at a symbolic press conference in January 2021, when the Detroit Lions announced their new head coach. “When you knock us down, we’re going to get up. And on the way up, we’re going to bite a kneecap off,” Campbell said at the time.
J.J. McCarthy Goes Straight Against Dan Campbell
On his Instagram account, the quarterback posted a series of photos of the Vikings’ victory over the Lions, accompanied by the phrase, “Knee caps are intact,” an apparent taunt to the opposing team’s head coach. Considering their excellent performance in Week 9, the taunt was more than justified.
McCarthy returned after missing five games due to a severe knee sprain, raising questions in the NFL about his health for such a crucial game in the Vikings’ season. However, the QB “silenced the critics” by completing 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception.
In addition, McCarthy also ran for a touchdown and made some key plays during the game, notably an excellent pass to wide receiver Jalen Nailor on a crucial third down in the final minutes, securing a three-point victory.
The Lions’ defense (which currently ranks 5th in the PFSN Defense Impact metric with a B grade) was instrumental in preventing a bigger score, allowing only 258 yards of offense on 59 plays. However, the Vikings were very effective in the red zone, thanks in part to McCarthy, who scored three touchdowns on five attempts.
It is worth noting that Campbell managed to reverse his poor early-season impressions by leading the Lions to a prominent position in the NFL, bringing the franchise closer to winning a Super Bowl in recent years. Even with several injuries this season and an unexpected loss in Week 9, Detroit remains second in the NFC North with a 5-3 record, behind only the Packers (5-2-1).
The head coach certainly did not appreciate McCarthy’s provocation, but he will have the opportunity to seek revenge on Nov. 25, when the Lions face the Vikings again in a matchup that could be decisive in the battle for the NFC North title or a wild-card spot.