JJ McCarthy Shines in NFL Debut as Vikings Edge Bears
CHICAGO – JJ McCarthy made a memorable NFL debut, throwing two fourth-quarter touchdown passes and even running for another, leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 27-24 victory against the Bears on Monday night.
Meanwhile, Chicago’s Caleb Williams also had a noteworthy first game as head coach Ben Johnson debuted. Williams secured two touchdowns in his initial outing.
It was a rocky start for McCarthy, who struggled until the fourth quarter. After missing his rookie season due to a knee injury, the Vikings’ coach, Kevin O’Connell, placed his trust in the former Michigan star when it truly mattered.
The momentum swung when Nursing Wright intercepted a pass and returned it for a 74-yard touchdown, giving Chicago a 17-6 lead in the third quarter. But McCarthy didn’t lose hope.
He found Justin Jefferson for a 13-yard touchdown, though the ensuing two-point conversion attempt failed.
In a quick turnaround, the Vikings needed only three plays to reclaim the lead, with McCarthy connecting with Aaron Jones for a 27-yard touchdown pass. A successful conversion to Adam Thielen put Minnesota ahead 20-17 with under 10 minutes left.
With about three minutes remaining, McCarthy faked a handoff and added to the score with a 14-yard touchdown run. Chicago later responded, with Williams throwing a 1-yard TD pass to Roma Odunze, but the Vikings managed to hang on, marking their eighth win against the Bears in the last nine meetings.
McCarthy, selected as the No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft, completed 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards. Interestingly, he grew up in the Chicago area and played in his first game at Soldier Field against the Vikings 18 years ago.
Both Jefferson and Jones recorded 44 receiving yards.
Will Reicard kicked two field goals, including a record-breaking 59-yarder at Soldier Field right before halftime.
Williams capped a rollercoaster rookie season, having been the No. 1 overall pick. He completed 21 passes for 210 yards and scored a rushing touchdown from nine yards out in the first quarter.
Wright, who was with Minnesota last season, intercepted a pass intended for Jefferson, scoring his first career touchdown and extending Chicago’s lead to 11 early in the third quarter.
