In NFL opener, McCarthy ignites a late surge as the Vikings secure a narrow win over the Bears
In a thrilling turn of events, rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy steered the Minnesota Vikings to a comeback win in his NFL debut, securing a 27-17 victory over the Chicago Bears.
McCarthy, who grew up cheering for the Bears, made his mark in the Windy City, igniting a Minnesota fightback with three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. His heroics included a 13-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson, a 27-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Jones, and a two-point conversion pass to Adam Thielen, giving the Vikings a 20-17 lead with 9:46 remaining.
The comeback was significant, as the hosts had a 17-6 lead. Chicago's Nahshon Wright, a former Viking, had extended the Bears' lead early in the third quarter with a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown.
However, McCarthy refused to be deterred. He added a 14-yard touchdown run around right end to give the Vikings a 27-17 lead with 2:53 remaining. The Bears' Rome Odunze scored a one-yard touchdown, but the Vikings managed to run out the clock, securing the win.
McCarthy completed 13-of-20 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the game. His performance was a testament to his resilience, as he had suffered a right knee injury in the 2024 pre-season opener and missed what would have been his rookie campaign. But he recovered and made his debut in the 2025 NFL season.
This year, McCarthy took over a Vikings team that went 14-3 in 2024. His debut was not just a victory, but a statement of intent for the upcoming season.
In the final minutes, McCarthy could be seen talking to blockers and receivers, trying to inspire his team. He told them, "We've got to believe. That's one thing we can do is control the controllables."
The Bears, on the other hand, have not had a winning season since 2018 and have not won a playoff game since the 2010 season. Minnesota's Will Reichard kicked a career-long 59-yard field goal with six seconds remaining in the second quarter, lifting the Vikings within 10-6 at half-time.
Chicago's quarterback, Caleb Williams, started the game with a career-best 10-for-10 completions, the longest completion streak to start a Bears season since 1978. However, his performance was not enough to secure a win for the Bears.
In conclusion, J.J. McCarthy's debut was a triumphant one, marking him as a player to watch in the NFL. His ability to rally from more than 10 points down in the fourth quarter and win his debut, as the first quarterback to do so since Steve Young in 1985, is a testament to his talent and determination. The Vikings, under McCarthy's leadership, look set for a successful season ahead.
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