J.J. McCarthy has returned to the lineup for the Minnesota Vikings, refreshed after an injury absence to resume his much-delayed development with a better perspective on how to handle this most difficult job.

That sure sounds familiar.

After yet another reset, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has at least temporarily revised his expectation and strategy. The weekly game plan needs to include fewer plays, he decided, for the sake of the entire offense, not just the 22-year-old quarterback. The lower-body passing mechanics O'Connell and his staff have been working so exhaustively on with the struggling McCarthy can be shelved until spring.

"I want him to have a clear head and a clear mind to just go play," O'Connell said, "but play with an understanding."

There's always a "but," and in

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