J.J. McCarthy Rallies Vikings to Thrilling 27–24 Comeback Over Bears in NFL Debut

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the Vikings win over the Bears last night.

The Minnesota Vikings pulled off a dramatic 27-24 comeback win over the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football last night, led by rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy in his NFL debut. Things started rough for McCarthy, who threw a costly pick-6 in the third quarter that gave the Bears a 17-6 lead, but the rookie bounced back in a big way, leading a fourth-quarter surge that included two passing touchdowns and a 14-yard rushing score. He finished the night completing 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards, two TDs through the air, one on the ground, and one interception.

Minnesota’s defense also stepped up in crunch time, making six straight third-down stops and holding off a late Chicago push. The Bears, led by 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, showed promise early. Williams threw for 210 yards and a touchdown while adding another score on the ground. But Chicago unraveled late with costly penalties, clock-management issues, and missed field goals. 

McCarthy’s poise in the fourth quarter and Minnesota’s defensive grit stole the show, sealing a wild Week 1 victory and setting the tone for what could be an exciting season in the NFC North. How did McCarthy look in his debut?