Bernardo Silva feared the title race was over before Manchester City produced a late comeback to win at Liverpool on Sunday.
City trailed 1-0 with six minutes remaining at Anfield before rallying with a Silva equaliser and Erling Haaland penalty to triumph 2-1.
The victory took City back within six points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with 13 games remaining.
City captain Silva told Sky Sports: “For the distance that we have to Arsenal, coming here – it is the toughest place in the Premier League by far – but we needed to go for another goal.
“When I scored, I was happy but we needed another and Erling got it.
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“I feel the whole team knew before the game if we lost it then the title race was probably over. We felt like we needed to win.
“The hope is there and we are going to fight until the end. We need to keep doing our job that we haven’t lately.”
It was only City’s second win in seven games and manager Pep Guardiola was not getting carried away.
Guardiola said: “Six points is better than nine, but it’s still a lot considering how strong Arsenal are in all departments.
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“But 13 games is a lot in the Premier League. The FA Cup is coming, the final of the Carabao Cup, the Champions League is here. There are many games, injuries, every team playing for something.
“The last 10 games, from my experience, are not a drama but so difficult. The important thing is to be there and improve.”
The game ended in controversy as Rayan Cherki scored what would have been a third City goal from inside his own half but play was pulled back for a foul on Haaland by Dominik Szoboszlai.
Szoboszlai, who had scored Liverpool’s goal with a stunning free-kick after 74 minutes, was sent off.
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Guardiola said: “Common sense, come on. I know he pulled him but how many pulls are there in a game when referees play on?
“Give a goal, 3-1, Szoboszlai can play and we’re happy.”
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was angered and disappointed by the result.
Added-time goals have cost his side eight points this season, and had that not been the case they would be comfortably third instead of sixth and five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.
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“I am feeling anger and disappointment because, first half, City were the better team without creating that many big chances except the one from Haaland, but the improvement we have made since three or four months ago was visible for everyone,” he said.
“It was a fantastic second half and I was expecting to be more than 1-0 up and then we conceded two goals.
“Second half, our standards went up, we were pressing them all over the place and that is the biggest improvement we have made, the whole team is now able to compete against one of the best teams in England.
“If you compare that to three or four months ago, you see so much improvement but the issue is you don’t see the improvement in the league table. That is always the most important reflection of where you are.”
Green Day rocked Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, ahead of Super Bowl LX as the NFL honors Super Bowl MVPs of the past.
The punk rock band played “Holiday” and “American Idiot” – two of their most political songs – for fans who were trickling in before kickoff. However, the band refrained from taking jabs at President Donald Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during their performance.
Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day performs in Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026(Carlos Barria/Reuters via Imagn Images)
NFL and Green Day fans who tuned into the performance were hoping that the group would have more criticism for Trump and his administration with millions watching around the world.
One X user wrote that it was “b—h move” to avoid any politics.
“Green Day skipping the entire middle of ‘American Idiot’ with the ‘anti maga’ lyrics when they had the chance to sing it in front of millions during the current political state of our country is such a bitch move sorry,” the X user wrote.
Another X user shared similar sentiments.
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“Green Day could’ve blown that s— up more than just by doing two political songs and cutting out the sauce from them,” they wrote on X.
Green Day performs before the start of the game between New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026.(Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images)
One user wrote that Green Day failed to do anything “meaningful.”
“Green Day turning out to be performative losers was a pretty big disappointment,” the person wrote. “They talk a whole bunch of talk but when given the opportunity to play at the biggest event in America they don’t f—ing say ANYTHING meaningful. What a complete joke of a band”
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Some BlueSky users were just as annoyed with the band.
“‘American Idiot’ still shreds but Green Day skipped the ‘sieg heil to the president’ part of ‘Holiday;’ Roger Goodell must’ve told Billie Joe there’s a sniper trained on him from the rafters,” one person wrote on the platform.
Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe added, “Green Day ruled, though I was hoping they were going to play the second verse of ‘American Idiot.’”
The band played at a pregame party Friday night at Pier 29 in San Francisco, where frontman Billie Joe Armstrong made a strong statement against ICE agents.
“To all the ICE agents out there, wherever you are, quit your s—-y-a-s job. Quit that s—-y job you have,” Armstrong said during the show.
Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day looks on from the field before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.(Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
“Because when this is over — and it will be over at some point in time — Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller, JD Vance, Donald Trump, they’re gonna drop you like a bad f—–g habit. Come on this side of the line.”
Armstrong also said the performance “goes out to Minneapolis” amid the protests and shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. He also changed lyrics of “Holiday” from “the representative from California has the floor” to “the representative from Epstein Island has the floor.”
Armstrong has been critical of the president in the past. He has likened Trump to Hitler, and the band frequently changes the line “I’m not part of a redneck agenda” from its 2004 hit “American Idiot” to “I’m not part of the MAGA agenda” in more recent live performances.
Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
Hopes are higher for more British medals this time around, not only in the curling rink but in a number of the snow events, with regular World Cup wins coming in disciplines such as snowboarding, snowboard cross and freestyle skiing from British competitors
Milano Cortina 2026 will gets underway on 4 February, with the opening ceremony two days later on 6 February, and will run until the closing ceremony on 22 February, with 116 medal events across the 19 days in Italy.
The events are split up into four main geographical zones: Milano (hosting the ceremonies and sports such as ice hockey, speed skating and figure skating), Valtellina (hosting freestyle skiing and snowboard events), Cortina (home of the women’s alpine skiing and ice sports such as curling , skeleton and luge) and Val di Fiemme (where the ski jumping and cross-country skiing will take place).
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Here is a closer look at the full day-by-day schedule for the Games, including every session for every sport:
Full day-by-day Winter Olympic schedule (all times GMT)
Super Bowl Sunday has arrived, and if this year’s showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots is even half as thrilling as the last time these franchises met on this stage, fans are in for a wild ride. Eleven years after their Super Bowl XLIX classic, the teams meet again tonight with the Lombardi Trophy on the line.
The Seahawks, much like their previous Super Bowl runs, have been powered by one of the NFL’s best defenses. Seattle allowed the fewest points in the league this season and finished first in both yards per pass attempt allowed and yards per rush attempt allowed. The unit flexed its muscle in a 41-6 divisional-round win over the San Francisco 49ers, surrendering just 3.9 yards per play — San Francisco’s worst mark all season.
Though the unit was inconsistent late in the regular season, it has found its rhythm in the playoffs — and, crucially, has not committed a turnover. Seattle enters tonight’s game with a plus-four turnover differential this postseason.
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Turnovers have also defined New England’s playoff run — but on the other side of the ball. No defense has forced more this postseason than the Patriots, who have wreaked havoc against the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos. New England is allowing just 8.7 points per game in the playoffs, the fewest by any team through three games since the 2000 Baltimore Ravens‘ historic defense.
The Patriots’ offense, which powered much of the regular-season success, has been quieter in January. New England’s 18.0 points per game this postseason is the fewest entering a Super Bowl appearance since the 1979 Rams. Still, Drake Maye has delivered timely plays with both his arm and legs, and the Patriots’ firepower presents a major test for Seattle’s defense.
Here’s how to watch tonight’s game, followed by keys to the matchup and a prediction.
Super Bowl LX: Where to watch Patriots vs. Seahawks
Patriots-Seahaws Super Bowl big questions
Can the Patriots force Sam Darnold into mistakes?
For as good as Darnold has been this season — and especially this postseason — he does have a penchant for turnovers. In fact, his 20 turnovers this season were most in the NFL, and his 14 interceptions were third-most. Eight of those 14 turnovers happened when he was pressured, tied with Geno Smith for most in the NFL.
Now (mostly) healthy, the Patriots’ pass rush has been dominant this postseason with an NFL-best 52% pressure rate. For comparison’s sake, the highest pressure rate during the regular season was 45% (by the Minnesota Vikings).
The Seahawks have done a good job keeping Darnold clean for the most part, and play-caller Klint Kubiak does a good job of getting him out of the pocket via play-action and giving him easy answers.
The path for the underdogs to come out on top starts with getting to Darnold. The next step is protecting their own quarterback. Maye has taken five sacks in all three of his playoff games so far, and while that’s come against three of the NFL’s best defenses, it’s not as if the Seahawks’ unit is any easier.
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald dials up a variety of different schemes and pressure looks, and he has both a disruptive duo inside (Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II) and a plethora of edge rushers to generate pressure.
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When the Seahawks do get pressure, Maye has to be careful with the ball: He has six fumbles (three lost) this postseason, both most of any player.
Can Maye hit the deep ball?
The Seahawks’ excellent cornerbacks play very aggressively, and it almost always works. The results speak for themselves.
But if the offensive line holds up, Maye might have the opportunity for a deep ball or two, and he’s been as good as anyone in those scenarios: His 35 completions at least 20 yards downfield this regular season were second-most in the NFL behind Matthew Stafford.
Expect some nerves early, especially from the quarterbacks, but as both settle in, this should be a great, close battle between an ascending star and an unlikely one.
Maye is looking to become the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, and Darnold is looking to become the first quarterback to win a Super Bowl after playing for at least five different teams.
Ultimately, the Seahawks’ defense gets a few timely stops, and Seattle leaves with its second championship.
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings have all but confirmed they will add another quarterback this offseason, probably via trade or free agency. And based on the landscape of possibly available signal-callers, San Francisco 49ers QB2 Mac Jones might move the needle. Wouldn’t you know it? He sure sounded like a guy this week who would welcome a trade.
The fit runs through Shanahan roots, a more straightforward path to snaps, and the Vikings’ need for an absolute contingency behind J.J. McCarthy.
Jones spoke to NFL.com, explaining his desire to start again, which won’t happen in San Francisco unless Brock Purdy gets injured.
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Jones-to-Vikings Has Real Logic
Jones chatter in the purple rumor mill won’t die anytime soon.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones completes pregame throws at Lucas Oil Stadium as preparations unfold in Indianapolis, with December 22, 2025 sitting at the center of a late-season matchup against the Colts. The controlled warmup captures Jones’ mechanics and timing under dome conditions while coaches and evaluators observe routine reps before kickoff nearby. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn
Jones on His Plans to Start Again
Reporters asked Jones this week if he’d like to start elsewhere, and he replied, “Honestly, it’s a business. You know how this goes. I’ve proven I can be a starter. I’ve proven I can be a starter in multiple different spots. I have 50-plus starts or whatever.”
“I know how to do it, but it’s also a business. I understand both sides of it. If you’re a quarterback that’s a free agent or could get traded or whatever your situation is, you want to go somewhere that fits and makes sense. At the end of the day, that’s what I want in San Francisco. We’ll see what happens. It’s good to be talked about.”
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He also said about the 2025 campaign, “Getting back to having fun and being around a group of guys that I really mesh well with, coaches and players. I felt like it was very laid back, but we put in a lot of work in OTAs.”
“Just for them to take me under their wing and for me to learn from all the Hall of Fame players we have, it was awesome. Kyle has been great for me. We’re really on the same … I call it ‘wi-fi.’ We’re just a really good match.”
That sounds like a man who wouldn’t mind a trade and starting gig in 2026.
Just an Insurance Policy in SF
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Why does Jones want to eventually wiggle out of San Francisco? Simple — he can’t start there. The 49ers pay Brock Purdy the megabucks, and unless Purdy gets hurt again, Jones is merely an insurance policy.
Elsewhere, with the Vikings, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, or Pittsburgh Steelers, Jones could be the top guy.
It’s all a matter of San Francisco’s willingness to trade him this offseason. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan said a couple of weeks ago that they have no desire to offload Jones. Some have reasoned that 1st- or 2nd-Round draft pick might change their minds.
The Numbers in 2025
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The case for Jones to Minnesota — or anywhere — is really straightforward. He started eight games in 2025, with the 49ers finishing 5-3 on his watch. If one scales his eight-game performance to a full 17 games, the numbers look like this:
4,570 Passing Yards
28 Passing TDs
13 INTs
69.6% Completion
That’s close to 2024 Darnold output, and Minnesota finished 14-3 that year.
There’s no reason to believe that Jones would arrive in Minnesota and suddenly struggle.
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones delivers a first-quarter throw at Gillette Stadium during an early-season test against Dallas, with October 17, 2021 positioned mid-paragraph as the moment unfolds in Foxborough. The in-game snapshot reflects pocket rhythm and decision-making as the Patriots traded scores with the Cowboys before halftime under steady pressure throughout Sunday. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
SI.com‘s Jose Sanchez compiled a list of Jones’s trade spots this week and noted on the Vikings, “Last, but not least, is the most obvious team — the Vikings. It was recently reported that they have Jones on their radar, which makes sense.”
“They are the most playoff-ready team on this list and can offer the 49ers a great deal. Justin Jefferson is what fans would love to hear, but that won’t happen. It’s more likely for the 49ers to get a pick and Jordan Addison from the Vikings. Minnesota gets its quarterback, while the 49ers add draft capital and needed speed at receiver with Addison.”
The Next Darnold/Mayfield?
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Baker Mayfield turned his career all the way around in Tampa Bay. So did Sam Darnold in 2024 and 2025. Jones could be next.
He also opined on Darnold, who will play in the Super Bowl on Sunday: “I get asked that a lot. Everyone’s journey is so different. I feel like I’ve watched him in interviews, and he does say that learning from Kyle and Brock really changed his career. I see why now.”
“I’ve learned so much this year. I know Sam probably felt the same way (in his one year in San Francisco). You can see it on the tape, there’s a lot of crossover.”
Carolina Panthers quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield jog onto the field at FedExField during pregame routines, with August 13, 2022 embedded mid-paragraph before a matchup against Washington in Landover. The shared warmup moment captures a transitional quarterback room as roles and responsibilities were evaluated ahead of kickoff by coaches and staff members together. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
If anyone replicates the Mayfield-Darnold path as early as 2026, it will probably be Jones. He already showed his ability to produce at an impressive level in the right system.
Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, center, celebrates with teammates (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Sri Lanka began their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign on a confident note, overcoming Ireland by 20 runs in their opening fixture on Sunday, thanks to a composed unbeaten half-century from Kamindu Mendis and a clinical display from their spinners. Asked to bat first, the hosts were rocked early when Mark Adair removed Kamil Mishara for six in the fourth over. Despite the early setback, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis ensured Sri Lanka finished the powerplay on solid footing, taking the score to 50 with a blend of caution and timely aggression.
T20 World Cup Groups Explained: Who Can Reach the Super 8
The partnership added 34 for the second wicket before George Dockrell broke through in the ninth over, dismissing Nissanka for 24 off 23 balls. Dockrell struck again soon after, sending Pavan Rathnayake back for 5, leaving Sri Lanka wobbling at 68 for three after 11 overs. Ireland tightened the screws through the middle phase, drying up the boundaries and forcing Sri Lanka to crawl to 95 for four by the 15th over. The momentum shifted dramatically thereafter. Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis counter-attacked with a vital 67-run stand that revived the innings. Kamindu changed the complexion of the match with a blistering burst, smashing 44 off just 19 balls, before settling into a mature unbeaten 56 off 43 deliveries. His knock guided Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 163. In reply, Ireland lost skipper Paul Stirling early, trapped by Maheesh Theekshana in the fourth over. Ross Adair showed intent but was bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga for 34, while a promising 49-run stand between Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker briefly kept Ireland in the hunt. Sri Lanka’s spinners then took control. Hasaranga removed Tector for 40 and Dunith Wellalage accounted for Tucker, triggering a collapse. Theekshana struck twice late to seal the contest as Ireland were bowled out for 143. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga claimed three wickets apiece, underlining Sri Lanka’s all-round dominance.
Team India arrives at the residence of Indian Cricket Team Head Coach Gautam Gambhir (ANI Video Grab)
NEW DELHI: Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir hosted a special dinner at his residence in New Delhi on Sunday, ahead of India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match against Namibia on February 12 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla was also present at the gathering, which came as the team prepared for their second group-stage match of the tournament.Watch:India began their T20 World Cup campaign with a solid win against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7. Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 161 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs.Captain Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with a brilliant unbeaten 84 off 49 balls, anchoring the innings after India lost early wickets. Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma also made useful contributions to help the team reach a defendable score. For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk and Harmeet Singh stood out with the ball, picking up key wickets.In reply, the USA fought hard but were restricted to 132 for 8 in their 20 overs, losing the match by 29 runs. Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, and Shubham Ranjane played fighting innings to keep the chase alive, but Indian bowlers Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh took important wickets to seal the victory.With the opening win under their belt, the defending champions will now look to continue their momentum when they take on Namibia in Delhi. The dinner hosted by Gambhir was seen as a team-bonding moment as India gears up for the crucial match on home soil.
India’s Virat Kohli with Head Coach Gautam Gambhir (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)
Speculation around the equation between India head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior batter Virat Kohli has refused to die down ever since Gambhir took charge of the national side. Their well-documented on-field run-ins during the Indian Premier League have continued to fuel chatter within the cricketing community, with suggestions that the two are still not entirely on the same page. Those claims, however, have now been firmly dismissed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who rubbished reports of any ongoing tension between the two high-profile figures.
T20 World Cup: ‘God changed my destiny’ – Mohammed Siraj on emotions of lucky comeback
“I have never seen them (Kohli and Gambhir) fighting. They are in a very good cordial relationship,” Saikia said while speaking on the India Today podcast. Referring to their IPL history, Saikia added, “IPL? Maybe I didn’t see that match because I was with them when they were representing the country.” Gambhir’s tenure as head coach has coincided with significant phases in Kohli’s career. The former India captain announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2025, a decision that sparked widespread debate. More recently, Kohli’s place in India’s ODI plans for the 2027 World Cup has also been scrutinised, though much of that discussion has eased due to his outstanding run of form. At 37, Kohli is enjoying what many believe to be one of the richest purple patches of his ODI career, having struck three centuries and a score of 93 in his last six appearances for India. Questions around the Gambhir-Kohli relationship have also been linked to the BCCI’s tougher stance on senior players featuring in domestic competitions when not on international duty. Over the past year, Kohli returned to both the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy after long absences. Despite persistent rumours of friction, Gambhir and Kohli have already combined successfully at the highest level, playing key roles in India’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2025, an ICC title that underlined unity rather than discord within the setup.
Match of the Day’s Mark Chapman, Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart discuss Rayan Cherki’s disallowed goal in Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks with a referee before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings will sign a different quarterback this offseason — perhaps a trade — but no one is too sure whether that man will be competition or insurance. If the Vikings opt for the insurance angle, just a player to step in for J.J. McCarthy gets hurt or falters, they’ll need a better plan than last year.
Minnesota can chase insurance if it wants, but the cleanest path stays centered on McCarthy and the long-term bet already in place.
While this website doesn’t necessarily pound the table for “J.J. McCarthy no matter what,” the following is the case in support of McCarthy — if Kevin O’Connell indeed puts all his eggs in the McCarthy basket.
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Reasons the Vikings Should Stick With J.J. McCarthy as QB1 in 2026
Laying it out, why Minnesota might keep McCarthy as the for-sure QB1.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy and center Michael Jurgens work through pregame routines at U.S. Bank Stadium, with the scene unfolding on Aug. 10, 2024, as Minnesota readied for Las Vegas while the pair synced snaps, footwork, and timing during early warmups ahead of the preseason opener. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
Youth — All the Youth
McCarthy turned 23 a couple of weeks ago. He hasn’t even approached an age to determine if he’s “bust.” That term is usually reserved for players around age 25 or so.
Minnesota drafted him at age 21, and two years in, he hasn’t taken the league by storm, missing 70% of games due to various injuries and struggling in 2025, outside of some clutch moments and about three games in December.
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No NFL team should wholly give up on a 23-year-old who was drafted in Round 1 two years ago. It’s too early. It’s just a matter of whether the Vikings have the patience to let it ride or want to hedge the bet by signing another passer to compete with McCarthy.
The Famous O’Connell Quote
A year and a half ago, O’Connell said on the Rich Eisen Show, “I just think as a whole, there’s not enough emphasis put on the organization’s role in the development of the position, meaning I believe that organizations fail young quarterbacks before young quarterbacks fail organizations.”
Little did he know, he’d get a chance to put his money where his mouth is in the 2026 offseason. If he trades McCarthy or finds a different-but-various-obvious QB1, he will have fallen victim to what he preached against.
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He also said, “Just overall 30,000-foot view, I think it’s important to understand that every single one of these guys is on a journey. A very difficult journey. That they need the support, they need the teammates around them, they need the systems in place to ultimately try to maximize who they are and what their potential is because you’re still drafting players off of potential.”
“And then everything that happens from that moment to when that potential becomes a reality is really on the organization if you’ve got the right guy that you’re bringing in.”
If O’Connell truly believes his own quote, McCarthy will stay put and probably earn the QB1 job in September.
“I do believe there’s some times where things just don’t work out, and then getting a chance to kinda wipe the slate clean and get a restart while still using your previous experiences to kinda shape how you’re gonna work, why you’re gonna work, why things are important to you, will only make guys better in the end and I think we’ve seen some examples of that in our league as well over the last few years,” O’Connell concluded in September 2024.
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The Sam Darnold Cautionary Tale
In March 2025, the Vikings allowed Sam Darnold to depart in free agency for the Seattle Seahawks, failing to re-sign the passer who had just tossed 35 touchdowns or franchise-tag him as tradebait.
In the 2026 offseason, failing to develop McCarthy could, in theory, set him on a path to another Darnold-like story: Minnesota drops him, and he later thrives with another team.
Do Vikings fans really want to endure this again? How about the Vikings’ ownership?
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The Jared Goff Comparison
McCarthy’s career through 10 starts has begun exactly like Goff’s in 2016.
Fast forward a decade, and Goff is considered a Top 12 quarterback in the NFL. While not widespread, there is a teensy bit of precedent for players like McCarthy “figuring it out” after some initial doldrums.
McCarthy’s Performance against WAS, DAL, and NYG
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When McCarthy healed from one of his many injuries in 2025, he returned for back-to-back-to-back games against NFC East opponents — mostly poor defenses — and excelled. He very much looked the part of a Top 10 quarterback, and that’s not an exaggeration based on those three games alone.
Of course, he got hurt against the Giants, stunting his momentum. That’s the story of McCarthy’s career early on.
Nevertheless, we’re not talking about a young quarterback who’s never played well. He played great, in fact, against the Commanders, Cowboys, and Giants. At a Pro Bowl level, even.
He Can Already Do the Hard Stuff
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Strangely, McCarthy nailed the hard throws in 2025 but often struggled with the basics.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy goes through throwing drills at U.S. Bank Stadium, with preparations taking place on Jan. 4, 2026, as Minnesota geared up for Green Bay while McCarthy loosened his arm, reviewed protections, and settled into his routine ahead of a late-season divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
As recently as mid-December, Pro Football Focus‘ Nick Akridge wrote, “Putting impressive throws on tape: McCarthy’s season-long big-time throw rate is now 7.2%, tied for the highest among all quarterbacks in the NFL. There’s no denying the pressure on McCarthy. The Vikings went all-in on him as their franchise quarterback this offseason, and the early returns were uneven.”
“But development was always going to take time, and over the past few weeks, the confidence and decisiveness have clearly shown up on tape. These remaining games are crucial for his growth, and if McCarthy continues to look like he did in Week 15, Minnesota should be right back in the NFC mix next season.”
One would think that if McCarthy has the tricky throws on speed dial, he should be able to figure out the fundamentals in the backdrop with proper coaching.
Trashy quarterbacks don’t make throws like this:
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A Short Leash from Ownership
While it’s tempting to cut bait with McCarthy in favor of something more comfy, there’s a very small chance the Wilfs insist that the Vikings — O’Connell in particular — sink or swim with McCarthy.
After all, if one assumes that McCarthy doesn’t work out, the next leadership regime should get a clean slate. That would include the quarterback.
Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf observes pregame activity along the sideline at U.S. Bank Stadium, with the moment dated Sep. 14, 2025, as Minnesota prepared to face Atlanta while Wilf took in warmups and the atmosphere surrounding an early-season home matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
This probably isn’t a stipulation from the Wilfs — they seem to adore O’Connell — but it needed to be noted for full context.
The NFL’s 6th-Best Passer from Week 14 On
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These are the numbers to know about McCarthy’s rollercoaster first season as a starter:
Now ask yourself: Do you really want the Vikings to give up on a guy who turned into the NFL’s sixth-best quarterback in the final month of the year, his first season ever as a starter? Does that seem smart?
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola talked about his side’s title chances after their 2-1 win at Liverpool in the Premier League.
19:58, 08 Feb 2026
Pep Guardiola said that Manchester City will continue to ‘breathe down the neck of Arsenal’ as they hope to build on a rousing win at Anfield. The players celebrated jubilantly with supporters after two late goals earned them their first win in front of fans at the ground since 2003, and it also transformed the feel of their title hopes.
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Bernardo Silva said after the game that City would have been out of the title race with a defeat. Matheus Nunes won a late penalty that Erling Haaland converted and Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a top stop even later in injury time to preserve the win.
Guardiola does not like judging his team on results or making sweeping judgments about their season based on one particular game, but he was particularly happy with the performance of his team at a ground where he has endured so much pain. Whether it is enough to catch Arsenal is uncertain but the manager thinks this City team has a lot of room to grow in the final 13 games.
“I don’t buy that product, when everyone (says) before ‘the title race is over, City is not going to win today’. Because we won it’s fine,” he said. “It’s the same team. The first half against Spurs was magnificent, the top level, could be 0-3 or 0-4, but at the end we drew because we are not… you know that? But in Newcastle we were much, much better than at Spurs, today we were much better.
“I have a feeling that improving a little bit will not be enough to compete against Arsenal but still we have the margin (to improve). We have to (play them) at home, of course we have to beat them. And I’ve said, 13 games in the Premier League, from my point of view, from my little experience, is a lot of time, a lot. It’s proper.
“When you go into the last games playing any team in a relegation battle, it’s a proper game, football game. Because they live to survive and they have long weeks to prepare, (whereas) you come from FA Cup, you come from Carabao Cup, you come from the Champions League, that makes a lot of influence.”
City were able to take confidence from their midweek win over Newcastle that booked their place in the Carabao Cup final, yet at the same time it gave them less time to prepare for their Premier League game. Arsenal are also deep in four competitions and Guardiola thinks that schedule could have an impact on the title race as City look to keep the pressure on the league leaders and cut the six-point gap.
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“Liverpool was all week preparing that game, we played three days ago against Newcastle. And Newcastle played on Wednesday, travelled and arrived at 2am in Newcastle I guess, Friday there and Saturday against Brentford, and Brentford have all week to prepare that game.
“That makes an influence in the title race. It’s why being nine points would be more difficult. All we can do is breathe down the neck of Arsenal and being there, try if they go asleep and use it.”
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