Five worst Week 12 performances: Vikings have huge QB mess after loss to Packers

Per Tru Media, McCarthy ranks No. 851 out of 852 qualifying quarterbacks in expected points added (EPA) per drop back since 2000, only ahead of infamous former Oakland Raiders draft bust JaMarcus Russell. (h/t The Ringer's Danny Heifetz)

The Vikings (4-7), largely built to win now, made a huge gamble placing their fate on the arm of an unproven quarterback who was shielded by an elite rushing attack and defense in college, and it's cost them dearly. With only six games left, their season is likely beyond saving. So, too, could be McCarthy.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb

The Cowboys (5-5-1) completed an epic comeback from 21 points down against the Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) to win, 24-21, on a walk-off Brandon Aubrey field goal, and they did so with minimal help from their All-Pro wide receiver.

Lamb had his second ugly game against the Eagles this season, ending the game with nearly as many drops as receptions. Fox Sports noted he totaled seven drops in two games against Philadelphia this year.

In Week 1, Lamb had a bad drop on a deep ball late in the fourth quarter, and he spoiled a chance for the Cowboys to take a 28-21 lead on Sunday with an inexplicable drop in the end zone.

Lamb had four receptions for 75 yards on 11 targets with three drops, ceding the spotlight to teammate George Pickens, who is becoming the team's best receiving option. Pickens caught all nine of his targets for 146 yards and a touchdown.

Lamb is still among the league's most gifted wideouts, making his struggles even more perplexing. If the Cowboys are to remain in the playoff conversation, they'll need more from their star receiver down the stretch. 

New Orleans Saints red zone offense

New Orleans ran 13 plays inside the Atlanta Falcons' 20-yard line red-zone plays and lost 10 yards, including 14 on an intentional grounding penalty. It couldn't run the ball effectively, tallying 11 yards on nine carries (1.2 yards per attempt. On three pass attempts, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough was sacked twice, and do-it-all playmaker Taysom Hill threw an incompletion. Its best play was a 12-yard defensive pass interference flag.

A lot has contributed to the Saints (2-9) being among the league's worst teams, and their inability to manufacture offense near the Falcons' end zone was the main reason they lost, 24-10, on Sunday.

Las Vegas Raiders offensive line

The Raiders were bullied at the line of scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns (3-8), resulting in quarterback Geno Smith taking an astonishing 10 sacks in the 24-10 loss.

Center Will Putnam was pushed back onto Smith's lap on the Browns' fifth sack of the first half, which also saw defensive end Myles Garrett snake his way through tight end Ian Thomas and left tackle Stone Forsythe for a loss of 10 yards.

The offensive line rarely gave Smith a clean pocket to throw out of, making it impossible for the 12-year veteran to get a pass off on a 4th-and-4 early in the third quarter.

Garrett blew past Forsythe for yet another sack in the fourth quarter, and the unit disintegrated at the snap on sack No. 9.

The display was one of the most appalling by an offensive line we can remember. The Raiders (2-9) have plenty to fix this offseason, and the trenches must be the top priority.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence

After defeating the hapless Arizona Cardinals, 27-24, in overtime, Lawrence hailed his team's resolve, noting it's "learning how to win regardless of the circumstances."

On Sunday, the circumstance was overcoming a dreadful performance from the 2021 No. 1 overall pick. Lawrence finished 18-of-30 for 256 yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions and a lost fumble.

Lawerence's awareness rating was turned to zero on a first-quarter fumble, when he held on to the ball too long, allowing safety Jalen Thompson to come off the edge for a strip sack, and the ball was recovered by defensive tackle Walter Nolen III for a touchdown.

Lawrence also took points off the board forcing a throw in the end zone on a 1st-and-goal to end a promising opening drive of the third quarter. His second pick was even worse, with Lawrence failing to register the underneath defender and throwing to linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither. Head coach Liam Coen was left incredulous on the sideline.

Lawerence stared down his intended target on his third interception, and safety Budda Baker jumped the route, setting Arizona up inside Jaguars territory. It scored a go-ahead touchdown three plays later.

At 7-4 and with three games remaining against the Tennessee Titans (1-10) and New York Jets (2-9), Jacksonville is in an excellent spot to make the playoffs. But unless Lawrence drastically improves, the Jags won't be taken seriously.