It may not get them into the playoffs, and it may be only one week, but the Minnesota Vikings finally won again on Sunday. Despite being 1.5-point underdogs, they got their second win at U.S. Bank Stadium this year, dominating the Washington Commanders 31-0.J.J. McCarthy had his most complete game of the season, completing 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns. That makes him the first Vikings quarterback age 22 or younger to throw three touchdowns in a game since Tommy Kramer in 1977 (Week 12 vs San Francisco).It was also the first time in Vikings history that they shut a team out one week after being shut out. They are only 5-8 and are only playing for pride at this point, but it was refreshing to see the Vikings play a complete game after generating little offense over the past month.Here are instant takeaways from the victory.McCarthy proved composed with the simplified offenseKevin O’Connell told reporters last week that the Vikings would simplify their offense against the Commanders. The idea was to get McCarthy to focus less on his mechanics and more on a digestible game plan.He did just that, even if the Commanders entered the week with the 30th-ranked pass defense in the NFL. McCarthy made most of his routine throws and even completed some deep out routes to Jordan Addison, displaying his anticipation and arm strength. This was also the first game McCarthy hasn’t thrown an interception in seven starts.It wasn’t the kind of game that would invoke memories of the 1998 Vikings, but it was something to build on. Since the Vikings’ upset victory over the Lions in Week 9, it looked as if the young quarterback had lost all confidence. This can give him, O’Connell, and the rest of the offense a spark heading into Dallas next week. The Cowboys allowed 44 points on Thursday night, presenting another potentially vulnerable opponent.A commitment to the run gamePart of helping McCarthy out required a renewed commitment to the run game. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason combined to run 25 times for 128 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown run by Mason. Altogether, the Vikings ran 34 times for 164 yards.O’Connell also turned to the run game in short-yardage situations, something that fans have been clamoring for. Mason’s touchdown run came on 3rd-and-1, and Zavier Scott picked up 10 yards on 4th-and-1 to extend the Vikings’ final drive, allowing them to run the clock out.ALL THE WAY IN!@JPMason27📺: @NFLonFOXpic.twitter.com/FKjvTivK8V— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 7, 2025This felt like a Brian Flores defenseThe Vikings’ defense hasn’t been the reason they lost the past four games, and they’ve been better than the offense this season. But they have failed to take the ball away, only forcing four turnovers since Week 3.That changed on Sunday. Andrew Van Ginkel intercepted Jayden Daniels, and Harrison Smith picked off Mariota after he replaced Daniels. In the fourth quarter, Javon Hargrave punched the ball loose when Mariota scrambled for a first down, recovering it and preserving the shutout with 7:53 left in the game. Minnesota’s offense bled the clock out.When will they learn? @AndrewVanGinkel#ProBowlVote📺: @NFLonFOXpic.twitter.com/NGoANCAMYg— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 7, 2025Minnesota only allowed 206 yards of offense on Sunday. Washington quarterbacks combined to complete only 11 of 24 passes for 99 yards and a cumulative 24.3 passer rating. Stifling defenses can keep the Vikings in games, but turnovers change games.This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Instant Takeaways from the Vikings’ 31-0 win over the Commanders