Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats
The Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats from December 15, 2025, tell the story of a competitive NFL game that Minnesota won 34-26. The Vikings and Cowboys both scored 17 points in the first half, but Minnesota created separation late by scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter while limiting Dallas to a field goal. J.J. McCarthy threw two touchdown passes, Jalen Nailor caught both scoring passes, and Minnesota’s defense pressured Dak Prescott throughout the contest.
Dallas produced more rushing yards and more total receiving yards, while Minnesota made better use of its passing opportunities and finished with a higher passer rating. The Cowboys also missed two field-goal attempts, an important detail when examining how an eight-point game developed.
This breakdown covers the final score, quarterback performance, rushing and receiving statistics, defensive contributions, special teams, and the individual performances that shaped the result. The figures below follow the supplied ESPN box-score data, with a note where the provided passing totals contain a discrepancy.
Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats: Game Overview
Minnesota Vikings
Road team
34
Final
December 15, 2025
34-26
Dallas Cowboys
Home team
26
Quarter-by-quarter score
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
| Minnesota | 7 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 34 |
| Dallas | 7 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 26 |
Source: supplied ESPN UK box-score data, Game ID 401772933.
The game began evenly, with both teams scoring seven points in the opening quarter and 10 in the second. The 17-17 halftime score reflected how closely matched the teams were during the first half.
Minnesota then scored seven points in the third quarter and added 10 more in the fourth. Dallas managed six points in the third but only three in the final period.
Three major factors stand out:
- Quarterback efficiency: McCarthy recorded two touchdown passes and a 108.0 passer rating.
- Defensive pressure: Minnesota recorded two sacks and 11 quarterback hits.
- Fourth-quarter execution: The Vikings outscored Dallas 10-3 in the final quarter.
The Cowboys had productive rushing and receiving performances, but those gains did not translate into enough points to overcome Minnesota’s advantage.
Complete Team Statistics Comparison
The overall numbers show why the final score does not tell the entire story. Dallas gained more rushing yards, and the supplied team receiving totals also favored the Cowboys. Minnesota, however, converted its passing production into touchdowns and applied consistent pressure on defense.
| Statistical category | Minnesota Vikings | Dallas Cowboys |
| Final score | 34 | 26 |
| Passing completions/attempts | 15/24 | 23/38 |
| Passing yards | 250 | 294 team total |
| Passing touchdowns | 2 | 0 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 0 |
| Rushing attempts | 28 | 29 |
| Rushing yards | 77 | 138 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 2 | 2 |
| Receiving yards | 250 | 294 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 2 | 0 |
| Field goals made/attempted | 2/2 | 4/6 |
| Sacks recorded | 2 | 0 |
| Quarterback hits | 11 | 1 |
| Passes defended | 5 | 3 |
| Total defensive tackles | 78 | 58 |
Data note: The supplied source summary lists Dallas with 294 passing yards at team level but 285 in Prescott’s player row. The team total is retained in this comparison, and the discrepancy is addressed below.
Dallas had 61 more rushing yards than Minnesota. The Cowboys also recorded nine more completions, according to the supplied statistics. Yet the Vikings scored eight more points.
The distinction was scoring efficiency. Minnesota recorded two passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, and two successful field goals. Dallas recorded two rushing touchdowns and four made field goals but no passing touchdowns.
That difference helps explain how Minnesota could win without matching Dallas in rushing production or total receiving yards.
Quarterback Performance: J.J. McCarthy vs Dak Prescott
Quarterback statistics offer one of the clearest explanations for Minnesota’s victory. Prescott accumulated more passing yards and completed more passes, but McCarthy delivered more touchdown passes and posted the higher passer rating.
J.J. McCarthy’s passing statistics
| Statistic | Performance |
| Completions | 15 |
| Attempts | 24 |
| Completion percentage | 62.5% |
| Passing yards | 250 |
| Yards per attempt | 10.4 |
| Passing touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks taken | 0 |
| Passer rating | 108.0 |
| QBR | 84.9 |
McCarthy completed 15 of his 24 attempts, giving him a completion rate of 62.5%. His 250 passing yards represented more than 10 yards per attempt, according to the supplied data.
That average suggests Minnesota generated meaningful yardage on its completed passes. The Vikings did not need McCarthy to complete a high volume of throws to produce a substantial passing total.
His two touchdown passes were especially important. Both went to Jalen Nailor, giving Minnesota a direct scoring connection that accounted for two passing touchdowns.
McCarthy also avoided being sacked. That matters when evaluating the quarterback’s statistical output because sacks can remove yardage, disrupt offensive drives, and create difficult down-and-distance situations.
However, his one interception remains an important part of the assessment. A touchdown-to-interception ratio of 2:1 indicates that he produced two scoring passes while also committing one passing turnover.
The supplied passer rating of 108.0 and QBR of 84.9 reflect different evaluation systems. They should not be treated as interchangeable figures, but both appear alongside a productive passing performance in the supplied box-score data.
Dak Prescott’s passing statistics
| Statistic | Performance |
| Completions | 23 |
| Attempts | 38 |
| Completion percentage | 60.5% |
| Passing yards | 294 team total; 285 in player row |
| Yards per attempt | 7.7 |
| Passing touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Sacks taken | 2 |
| Sack yardage | 9 yards |
| Passer rating | 84.8 |
| QBR | 65.9 |
Prescott completed 23 of 38 attempts, producing a completion rate of approximately 60.5%. His passing yardage was substantial, even though he did not throw a touchdown.
The difference between passing volume and scoring production is central to understanding his performance. Prescott attempted 14 more passes than McCarthy and completed eight more, yet McCarthy threw two touchdown passes.
Prescott also avoided interceptions in the supplied statistics. That was a positive aspect of his performance, although the two sacks and absence of passing touchdowns affected the overall comparison.
Dallas depended on its rushing attack and field-goal production to complement Prescott’s passing yards. The Cowboys’ passing game moved the ball, but it did not finish with the same touchdown output as Minnesota’s.
One detail requires caution: the supplied data gives Prescott 285 passing yards in his individual player row and 294 yards in the team summary. Those figures cannot both represent the same passing-yard total under the same definition. The original box score should be checked before publishing one as definitive.
Quarterback comparison at a glance
| Metric | McCarthy | Prescott |
| Completion percentage | 62.5% | 60.5% |
| Passing attempts | 24 | 38 |
| Passing yards | 250 | 285 in player row |
| Passing touchdowns | 2 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 0 |
| Sacks taken | 0 | 2 |
| Passer rating | 108.0 | 84.8 |
The comparison illustrates two different approaches. Prescott generated more passing volume, while McCarthy produced the game’s two passing touchdowns with fewer attempts.
A useful way to interpret the numbers is to distinguish between moving the ball and converting drives into touchdowns. Passing yards measure production between plays, while touchdowns directly contribute to the score. Neither statistic alone provides a complete evaluation of quarterback performance.
Minnesota Vikings Rushing Stats
Minnesota finished with 77 rushing yards on 28 carries, averaging 2.8 yards per attempt. Although the ground game produced two touchdowns, it did not generate the same yardage efficiency as Dallas.
The Vikings spread their rushing attempts across several players, with Aaron Jones Sr. leading the team in carries and total rushing yards.
Minnesota rushing player statistics
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TDs | Long |
| Aaron Jones Sr. | 12 | 34 | 2.8 | 0 | 16 |
| Jordan Mason | 10 | 29 | 2.9 | 0 | 9 |
| J.J. McCarthy | 4 | 15 | 3.8 | 1 | 8 |
| C.J. Ham | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 1 | 1 |
| Jalen Nailor | 1 | -2 | -2.0 | 0 | -2 |
| Team total | 28 | 77 | 2.8 | 2 | 16 |
Aaron Jones Sr. led Minnesota with 34 rushing yards on 12 attempts. His longest run covered 16 yards, but his average remained below three yards per carry.
Jordan Mason added 29 yards on 10 carries. His 2.9-yard average was close to Jones’s production, showing that neither primary running back consistently generated large gains according to the supplied totals.
McCarthy contributed 15 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. His four attempts added another dimension to Minnesota’s ground game.
C.J. Ham scored a rushing touchdown on a one-yard carry. Short-yardage scoring runs can have substantial value even when they add little to a team’s total yardage.
The team recorded two rushing touchdowns despite averaging only 2.8 yards per attempt. This distinction demonstrates why rushing efficiency and red-zone scoring should be evaluated separately.
What Minnesota’s rushing numbers reveal
The Vikings’ running game was not their strongest source of yardage. Its value came partly from contributing to the scoring total and keeping multiple players involved in the offense.
Several observations stand out:
- Jones handled the largest share of the listed carries.
- Mason provided a second regular rushing option.
- McCarthy added a quarterback rushing touchdown.
- Ham converted a short carry into another score.
- The team average of 2.8 yards per carry indicates limited overall rushing efficiency.
Minnesota did not need to dominate the rushing statistics to win. Its passing touchdowns and late-game scoring supplied the difference.
Dallas Cowboys Rushing Stats
Dallas had considerably more success on the ground. The Cowboys recorded 138 rushing yards on 29 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt.
Their 61-yard advantage over Minnesota was one of the clearest statistical differences in the game.
Dallas rushing player statistics
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TDs | Long |
| Javonte Williams | 15 | 91 | 6.1 | 1 | 21 |
| Malik Davis | 8 | 21 | 2.6 | 1 | 6 |
| Hunter Luepke | 3 | 16 | 5.3 | 0 | 8 |
| Brandon Aubrey | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 | 6 |
| Dak Prescott | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 2 |
| KaVontae Turpin | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 2 |
| Team total | 29 | 138 | 4.8 | 2 | 21 |
Javonte Williams was Dallas’s leading rusher, finishing with 91 yards on 15 carries. His 6.1-yard average was the highest among the listed Cowboys players with multiple attempts, and he recorded one rushing touchdown.
Williams also produced the longest listed Dallas run, gaining 21 yards. His performance provided the Cowboys with an effective source of ground production.
Malik Davis contributed 21 rushing yards and a touchdown on eight carries. His average of 2.6 yards was lower than Williams’s, but his scoring run added to Dallas’s total.
Hunter Luepke recorded 16 yards on three attempts, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. His contribution added efficiency to the team’s rushing figures, even without a touchdown.
Prescott and Turpin each recorded two rushing yards. Aubrey also appeared in the rushing statistics with a six-yard carry.
Why Dallas’s rushing advantage was not enough
Dallas gained 138 rushing yards compared with Minnesota’s 77. It also averaged two more yards per carry, rounded to one decimal place.
That advantage indicates that the Cowboys generated more ground yardage with almost the same number of attempts. Yet total rushing yards do not directly determine the winner.
Minnesota matched Dallas with two rushing touchdowns and added two passing touchdowns. Dallas’s passing game did not record a touchdown in the supplied statistics.
The Cowboys also made four field goals but missed two attempts. Those missed opportunities reduced the number of points they could obtain from their kicking game.
Dallas’s rushing performance was productive, but the overall combination of passing touchdowns, field goals, and late-game scoring favored Minnesota.
Receiving Statistics: Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys
The receiving numbers reveal another important contrast. Minnesota generated 250 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, while Dallas recorded 294 receiving yards without a receiving touchdown.
The Vikings had fewer receptions but produced more scoring through the air. Dallas distributed its receiving production across several players, with CeeDee Lamb leading the way.
Minnesota Vikings receiving stats
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Yards | Average | TDs | Long |
| Jordan Addison | 2 | 2 | 66 | 33.0 | 0 | 58 |
| T.J. Hockenson | 4 | 5 | 66 | 16.5 | 0 | 29 |
| Jalen Nailor | 3 | 5 | 47 | 15.7 | 2 | 23 |
| Aaron Jones Sr. | 3 | 3 | 31 | 10.3 | 0 | 18 |
| Justin Jefferson | 2 | 8 | 22 | 11.0 | 0 | 12 |
| Josh Oliver | 1 | 1 | 18 | 18.0 | 0 | 18 |
| Team total | 15 | 24 | 250 | 16.7 | 2 | 58 |
Average figures are reproduced from the supplied data. Individual averages are rounded to one decimal place.
Jordan Addison’s explosive receiving performance
Addison led Minnesota in the listed receiving yards with 66 on only two catches. His 33.0-yard average and 58-yard longest reception show how a small number of successful plays can produce significant yardage.
He also matched Hockenson’s total yardage despite recording two fewer receptions. Addison’s contribution was therefore concentrated in longer gains rather than a high reception count.
The figures do not establish the exact timing of his receptions or the precise offensive play calls. However, his receiving line clearly shows Minnesota gained substantial yardage from limited opportunities involving Addison.
T.J. Hockenson’s contribution
Hockenson also finished with 66 yards, recording four receptions on five targets. His 16.5-yard average gave Minnesota another productive receiving option.
Unlike Addison, Hockenson generated his yardage across four catches. This provided a different pattern of production within the same passing attack.
Together, Addison and Hockenson accounted for 132 receiving yards, more than half of Minnesota’s listed team receiving total.
Jalen Nailor’s two touchdown catches
Nailor’s statistics were especially important because he scored both of McCarthy’s passing touchdowns.
He finished with three receptions for 47 yards on five targets. His 15.7-yard average reflected useful yardage production, but his two touchdowns were the most decisive part of his contribution.
Touchdowns have a different impact from ordinary receptions. A receiver can lead a team in yardage without scoring, while a receiver with fewer catches can directly determine how many points the offense produces.
Nailor demonstrated that distinction in this game. Addison led in receiving yards, but Nailor supplied the two receiving scores.
Justin Jefferson’s receiving line
Jefferson recorded two catches for 22 yards on eight targets. His 11.0-yard average was lower than those of Addison, Hockenson, and Nailor.
The supplied data does not explain why Jefferson finished with eight targets and only two receptions. Possible explanations in football generally include coverage, incomplete passes, contested throws, or differences in the routes and situations involved. However, none of those explanations can be confirmed from these numbers alone.
The reliable conclusion is that Jefferson received the largest listed target count for Minnesota but did not lead the team in catches or yards.
Dallas Cowboys receiving stats
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Yards | Average | TDs | Long |
| CeeDee Lamb | 6 | 10 | 111 | 18.5 | 0 | 30 |
| Ryan Flournoy | 4 | 5 | 40 | 10.0 | 0 | 19 |
| George Pickens | 3 | 6 | 33 | 11.0 | 0 | 17 |
| Luke Schoonmaker | 1 | 1 | 29 | 29.0 | 0 | 29 |
| Jonathan Mingo | 1 | 1 | 25 | 25.0 | 0 | 25 |
| Malik Davis | 2 | 3 | 16 | 8.0 | 0 | 10 |
| Jake Ferguson | 2 | 4 | 16 | 8.0 | 0 | 9 |
| Hunter Luepke | 2 | 2 | 14 | 7.0 | 0 | 11 |
| KaVontae Turpin | 2 | 2 | 10 | 5.0 | 0 | 9 |
| Brevyn Spann-Ford | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Team total | 23 | 35 | 294 | 12.8 | 0 | 30 |
CeeDee Lamb leads Dallas in receiving yards
Lamb produced 111 yards on six receptions from 10 targets. His 18.5-yard average made him the leading receiver in the supplied Dallas statistics.
He accounted for approximately 37.8% of the team’s 294 receiving yards. That concentration shows how much of Dallas’s passing production came through its leading receiver.
Lamb’s longest reception was 30 yards. Although he generated substantial yardage, he did not record a receiving touchdown in the supplied box score.
Supporting receivers add production
Flournoy contributed 40 yards on four catches, while Pickens recorded 33 yards on three receptions. Schoonmaker and Mingo added 29 and 25 yards respectively, each on one reception.
These performances helped Dallas distribute its receiving yardage among several players. Ferguson, Davis, Luepke, and Turpin also contributed receptions.
However, the team finished without a receiving touchdown. The distinction between yardage and scoring remained a central theme throughout the game.
Receiving comparison: the most important differences
| Metric | Minnesota | Dallas |
| Receptions | 15 | 23 |
| Targets | 24 | 35 |
| Receiving yards | 250 | 294 |
| Average yards per reception | 16.7 | 12.8 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 2 | 0 |
| Longest reception | 58 yards | 30 yards |
Minnesota averaged more yards per reception and scored twice through its receivers. Dallas recorded more catches and more total receiving yards.
The difference in average yards per reception suggests Minnesota’s recorded catches produced larger gains on average. Addison’s 58-yard reception was a major contributor to that figure.
However, average yards per reception should not be confused with overall passing efficiency. It does not account for incomplete passes, interceptions, sacks, or the different number of attempts made by each quarterback.
Defensive Player Stats and Pressure on the Quarterbacks
Defense played a major role in the outcome, particularly Minnesota’s ability to pressure Prescott. The supplied statistics credit the Vikings with two sacks and 11 quarterback hits, compared with zero sacks and one quarterback hit for Dallas.
Defensive team comparison
| Defensive category | Minnesota | Dallas |
| Total tackles | 78 | 58 |
| Solo tackles | 36 | 31 |
| Sacks | 2 | 0 |
| Tackles for loss | 0 | 5 |
| Passes defended | 5 | 3 |
| Quarterback hits | 11 | 1 |
| Defensive touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
Minnesota recorded more total tackles and quarterback hits. Dallas, meanwhile, recorded more tackles for loss.
These statistics describe different defensive activities. A quarterback hit measures pressure on the passer, while a tackle for loss occurs when a ball carrier is stopped behind the line of scrimmage. One category does not automatically replace the other as a measure of defensive quality.
The Vikings’ 11 quarterback hits stand out because Prescott was attempting 38 passes. Repeated pressure can disrupt timing and force an offense to adjust its approach, although the supplied data does not identify the result of every individual hit.
Minnesota also recorded two sacks for a combined nine yards. Those plays reduced Dallas’s passing production and could have affected the positioning of subsequent plays.
Dallas’s defensive contribution
Dallas recorded five tackles for loss and three passes defended. Those figures show that the Cowboys made plays behind the line of scrimmage and disrupted some passing attempts.
However, the supplied statistics credit Dallas with no sacks and only one quarterback hit. McCarthy therefore finished without a recorded sack, giving Minnesota’s passing offense an opportunity to operate without the yardage losses associated with sacks.
The Cowboys also had one interception credited to Quinnen Williams in the supplied data, with no return yards or defensive touchdown. Because the summary separately lists Minnesota as having one interception thrown, the interception information should be verified against the original detailed box score before assigning the play to a specific quarterback or defender.
No defensive touchdowns were recorded for either team.
Special Teams Stats: Field Goals, Punting, and Returns
Special teams contributed directly to the final score. Minnesota made both field-goal attempts, while Dallas made four of six. That difference left the Cowboys with two unsuccessful attempts.
Kicking statistics
| Statistic | Will Reichard, Minnesota | Brandon Aubrey, Dallas |
| Field goals made | 2 | 4 |
| Field goals attempted | 2 | 6 |
| Field-goal percentage | 100% | 66.7% |
| Longest field goal | 53 yards | 41 yards |
| Extra points made | 4 | 2 |
| Kicking points | 10 | 14 |
Reichard converted both field-goal attempts, including a longest successful kick of 53 yards. He also made all four extra points.
Aubrey made four field goals and two extra points. His four successful field goals gave Dallas 14 kicking points, but his two missed field goals limited the team’s scoring potential.
The kicking figures help explain how Dallas remained competitive despite not scoring a passing touchdown. Field goals supplied 12 of the Cowboys’ points, while Minnesota’s kicking game contributed 10.
Minnesota’s four extra points also align with its four touchdowns, while Dallas’s two extra points align with its two rushing touchdowns.
Punting statistics
| Statistic | Ryan Wright, Minnesota | Bryan Anger, Dallas |
| Punts | 2 | 1 |
| Total punt yards | 112 | 42 |
| Average punt distance | 56.0 yards | 42.0 yards |
| Longest punt | 65 yards | 42 yards |
| Touchbacks | 0 | 0 |
| Inside the 20 | 2 | 0 |
Wright averaged 56.0 yards per punt and placed both recorded punts inside the 20-yard line. Anger recorded one punt for 42 yards.
The sample is small, particularly for Dallas, which had only one listed punt. These numbers therefore describe the punts recorded in this game rather than establishing a broader difference between the two punters.
Kick-return statistics
| Team | Returner | Returns | Yards | Average | Longest |
| Minnesota | Myles Price | 6 | 143 | 23.8 | 32 |
| Dallas | KaVontae Turpin | 4 | 124 | 31.0 | 40 |
Turpin averaged 31.0 yards per kick return, compared with Price’s 23.8. Price recorded more total return yards because he had two additional returns.
Neither player recorded a kick-return touchdown in the supplied data. No punt returns were listed for either team.
These figures add context to the field-position battle, although the return statistics alone cannot establish how many points were directly influenced by a particular return.
Key Moments and Statistical Turning Points
The supplied statistics allow several important aspects of the game to be identified without assuming details that are not included in the box score.
1. Minnesota’s passing touchdowns created a scoring advantage
McCarthy threw two touchdown passes, and Nailor caught both. These scores gave Minnesota an advantage that Dallas could not match through its passing attack.
The Cowboys still accumulated substantial receiving yardage. However, Prescott finished without a passing touchdown, leaving Dallas dependent on its rushing scores and field goals.
2. The fourth quarter decided the final margin
Minnesota scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, while Dallas scored three. This seven-point difference in the final period was a decisive part of the eight-point final margin.
The fourth-quarter figures show that Minnesota maintained its scoring production late in the game. Dallas, by contrast, generated only a field goal during the final period.
The supplied information does not include the exact timestamps of each scoring play. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to claim a specific touchdown or field goal occurred at a particular time without checking the play-by-play record.
3. Minnesota generated consistent quarterback pressure
The Vikings recorded 11 quarterback hits and two sacks. Dallas recorded one quarterback hit and no sacks.
This difference is notable because Prescott attempted 38 passes. Pressure can affect a quarterback’s timing and available throwing windows, even when it does not result in a sack.
Still, the box score alone cannot establish that pressure caused every incomplete pass or prevented a particular touchdown. It supports the narrower conclusion that Minnesota recorded more direct pressure on the quarterback.
4. Dallas gained more on the ground but scored fewer touchdowns through the air
The Cowboys averaged 4.8 yards per carry and gained 138 rushing yards. Minnesota averaged 2.8 yards per carry and gained 77 rushing yards.
Despite the rushing advantage, Dallas did not record a passing touchdown. Minnesota paired its two rushing touchdowns with two passing scores.
This is an important lesson in interpreting football statistics: yardage totals and scoring totals describe different parts of offensive performance.
5. Field-goal accuracy mattered
Minnesota converted both field-goal attempts. Dallas made four of six attempts.
Dallas scored more points through field goals overall because it attempted six and made four. However, the two misses represented lost opportunities to add points.
It is not possible to determine from the summary alone whether those attempts would have changed the final outcome. Their importance depends on when they occurred and the game situation at each attempt.
What the Player Statistics Tell Us About Both Teams
Minnesota Vikings: strengths and areas to examine
Minnesota’s strongest statistical feature was its combination of passing touchdowns, quarterback protection, and late-game scoring.
Its key strengths included:
- Two passing touchdowns from McCarthy.
- Two receiving touchdowns by Nailor.
- A 108.0 passer rating for McCarthy.
- Zero sacks allowed in the supplied statistics.
- Two successful field goals from Reichard.
- A 10-3 advantage in fourth-quarter scoring.
The Vikings’ rushing efficiency was less impressive. They averaged 2.8 yards per carry and finished 61 yards behind Dallas on the ground.
Jefferson’s two receptions on eight targets also stand out as a statistical detail worth investigating in a deeper review. The figures show limited production relative to his target count, but they do not reveal the reasons behind each incomplete attempt.
Dallas Cowboys: strengths and areas to examine
Dallas produced 138 rushing yards and 294 receiving yards in the supplied team statistics. Williams led the rushing attack, while Lamb led the receiving group.
The Cowboys’ positive indicators included:
- Williams’s 91 rushing yards.
- Lamb’s 111 receiving yards.
- Four successful field goals.
- Two rushing touchdowns.
- Five tackles for loss.
- Zero interceptions thrown in the supplied quarterback statistics.
Their main scoring limitation was the absence of a passing touchdown. Dallas also recorded two missed field goals and allowed Minnesota to score 10 points in the final quarter.
The defensive statistics also show that Dallas recorded no sacks and only one quarterback hit. Those numbers contrast with Minnesota’s two sacks and 11 quarterback hits.
These observations describe the recorded performance in this game. They should not be treated as proof of how either team would perform in a future matchup.
How to Read an NFL Box Score Correctly
For readers who want to understand the numbers beyond the final score, a few basic principles make player statistics much more useful.
Understand passing efficiency
Passing yards measure the distance gained through the passing game, but they do not tell the whole story. Completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdowns, interceptions, and sacks provide additional context.
In this game, Prescott’s higher completion count and larger passing total did not produce a passing touchdown. McCarthy recorded fewer completions but threw two touchdown passes.
Separate rushing volume from rushing efficiency
A player with many carries may finish with more total yards simply because of additional opportunities. Yards per carry help show how much ground production comes from each attempt.
Williams’s 91 yards on 15 carries produced a 6.1-yard average. Jones’s 34 yards on 12 carries produced a 2.8-yard average.
These averages describe their recorded production, but they do not account for blocking assignments, defensive formations, or the importance of individual carries.
Consider receiving targets alongside receptions
Targets help explain how often a receiver was involved in the passing game. Receptions show how many passes were caught, while receiving yards measure the yardage gained.
Jefferson’s eight targets and two receptions provide a different statistical picture from Addison’s two targets and two catches. Neither line alone explains the full quality of a receiver’s performance, but both are useful for understanding how the passing attack was distributed.
Use defensive numbers in context
Sacks, quarterback hits, tackles for loss, and passes defended measure different aspects of defensive play.
Minnesota’s 11 quarterback hits suggest frequent recorded contact with Prescott, while Dallas’s five tackles for loss show its ability to stop plays behind the line of scrimmage.
A complete defensive evaluation would also consider down and distance, third-down stops, red-zone performance, turnovers, and the exact situations in which each play occurred.
Check discrepancies before publishing
Accurate reporting requires checking that team totals and individual player totals agree.
The supplied data lists Prescott with 294 passing yards at team level but 285 yards in his player row. It also lists an interception credited to Quinnen Williams, while the passing summary lists Minnesota with one interception.
These entries need verification against the detailed official box score before a publisher treats them as definitive. The safest approach is to disclose the discrepancy rather than silently select one figure or invent an explanation.
For the original record, consult the ESPN UK game box score.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the final score of the Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys game?
The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-26 on December 15, 2025. Minnesota scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, compared with Dallas’s three.
2. How many passing touchdowns did J.J. McCarthy throw?
J.J. McCarthy threw two touchdown passes according to the supplied box-score data. Both touchdown receptions were recorded by Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor.
3. How many passing yards did Dak Prescott record?
The supplied team summary lists 294 passing yards for Dallas, while Prescott’s individual player row lists 285. This discrepancy should be checked against the detailed game box score before publishing a definitive player total.
4. Who led the game in rushing yards?
Javonte Williams led the listed rushing statistics with 91 yards on 15 carries for Dallas. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and recorded one rushing touchdown.
5. Who was the leading receiver in the game?
CeeDee Lamb led the listed individual receiving statistics with 111 yards on six receptions for Dallas. Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson each recorded 66 receiving yards for Minnesota.
6. How did Minnesota win despite having fewer rushing yards?
Minnesota gained 77 rushing yards, compared with Dallas’s 138, but scored two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. The Vikings also scored 10 points in the fourth quarter while limiting Dallas to three.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-26 on December 15, 2025, in a game defined by passing touchdowns, defensive pressure, and fourth-quarter execution.
McCarthy completed 15 of 24 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns, while Nailor caught both scoring passes. Addison and Hockenson each added 66 receiving yards, giving Minnesota multiple productive targets.
Dallas produced impressive individual numbers of its own. Williams rushed for 91 yards, Lamb recorded 111 receiving yards, and the Cowboys gained 138 yards on the ground. However, Prescott did not throw a passing touchdown, and Dallas made only four of six field-goal attempts.
The defensive comparison also favored Minnesota in several important categories. The Vikings recorded two sacks and 11 quarterback hits, while Dallas recorded no sacks and one quarterback hit. Minnesota’s 10-point fourth quarter ultimately helped secure the eight-point victory.
Overall, the Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats show why total yardage alone cannot explain an NFL result. Touchdown production, defensive pressure, kicking accuracy, and scoring at critical stages all contributed to Minnesota’s win. Readers should also verify the conflicting Dallas passing-yard totals against the detailed box score to maintain statistical accuracy.
