NFL Facing Punishment Decision on J.J. McCarthy Incident

The Vikings did well to bounce back from last week’s shutout against the Seahawks. With McCarthy back in the mix, Minnesota put up 31 points on the board, while also preventing Washington from scoring a single point.

McCarthy found himself on the wrong end of a huge hit at the 13:29 mark of the final frame. Frustrations boiled over for Commanders linebacker Jacob Martin, who delivered a late hit on the Vikings QB. Martin, along with teammate DeMarcus Walker, shoved McCarthy to the ground well after the rookie had released his pass to Aaron Jones. The referees called a personal foul on Martin for a roughing the passer violation.

McCarthy found Jones for a 13-yard gain, but it was called off after the Vikings were also penalized for an ineligible downfield pass penalty. The violation was negated by Martin’s foul, resulting in Minnesota taking the ball to Washington’s nine-yard line.

The Vikings were able to score their final touchdown of the game on that same drive, with McCarthy throwing a two-yard TD pass to tight end T.J. Hockenson.

As for Martin, he will now need to wait for the NFL’s decision on his personal foul. The NFL Officiating Department will review the incident and decide whether to fine the Commanders LB for his actions.

For context, the NFL rulebook stipulates that a roughing the passer violation can be subjected to a $17,389 fine for a first offense and $23,186 for a second. Martin has never received a fine throughout his eight-year career.

McCarthy and the Vikings improved to 5-8 after Sunday’s win. They have a big game in Week 14 as they battle the Dallas Cowboys on the road on Sunday, Dec. 14. The primetime kickoff at AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET.