How J.J. McCarthy annoyed Kevin O'Connell during Vikings' win over Cowboys

In the second quarter of the "Sunday Night Football" game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Dallas Cowboys, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy hit what seemed to be a version of the "Griddy" dance often performed by Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson as McCarthy entered the end zone for an easy touchdown. 

Shortly after the Vikings improved to 6-8 on the season via a 34-26 win, head coach Kevin O'Connell shared that he "had to take a double-take right there" to make sure McCarthy hadn't handed the ball off on the goal-line bootleg. O'Connell also made it known he didn't love how McCarthy ended the play.

Kevin O'Connell sends message to J.J. McCarthy about score

"The finish, I would not classify as special," O'Connell added about McCarthy's score, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN. "...It was entertaining. I guess we are in the entertainment business, but I would've preferred him to show that 40 time that he likes to talk about having never run, his 40 coming out [of college], which was unique, to say the least. But as a guy who once ran a fast 40 and couldn't throw it very well, I can probably understand why quarterbacks are choosing to do that these days."

A second-year pro, McCarthy has been a subject of criticism throughout the season after he spent his rookie campaign recovering from a full meniscus repair. He missed time this fall due to an ankle injury and a concussion, and he made just his eighth regular-season start on Sunday night. 

In total, McCarthy completed 15-of-24 passes for 250 yards with two touchdowns and an interception against the Cowboys. Following the win, he admitted that he understood his premature celebration would likely annoy his coach. 

J.J. McCarthy knows he must "do what my coach says"

"I did it in practice, and I was told not to do it," McCarthy said about his "Griddy." "So, just me being who I am, it's like, 'Oh, now I'm more enticed to do it.' But if it's that open, obviously just get in the end zone no matter what -- and be coachable and do what my coach says. So yeah, I'll definitely get a minus [grade] for that."

The Vikings were eliminated from postseason contention before they took the field at AT&T Stadium, but their final three games of the season could nevertheless prove to be massive regarding McCarthy's future with the franchise. If he can close the campaign out with three more strong performances, he could potentially convince O'Connell and Co. that the club doesn't need to acquire competition at the position during the upcoming offseason. 

The Vikings next play at the woeful New York Giants (2-12) on Dec. 21. As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Minnesota as a 2.5-point road favorite for that game.