(Crankers) J.J. McCarthy shook off a sluggish start to deliver three fourth-quarter touchdowns, sparking the Minnesota Vikings to a dramatic comeback win over the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football.
With Monday’s performance in Chicago, McCarthy became the first quarterback in NFL history to notch three touchdowns in the fourth quarter of his debut.
McCarthy, who was drafted by the Vikings in 2023 but missed his rookie season with a knee injury, made his regular-season debut by completing 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also rushed for 25 yards, including a 14-yard score, as he led Minnesota back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
“I feel like we did a great job,” McCarthy told reporters after the game. “This team showed a lot of poise and responded very well.”
Despite outgaining the Vikings 317-254 in total yards and 20-14 in first downs, the Bears couldn’t hold on.
McCarthy struggled early, completing just 7 of 12 passes for 42 yards and an interception over the first three quarters. But in the fourth, he caught fire — connecting on 6 of 8 passes for 101 yards, throwing two touchdowns, and adding a rushing score.
“I told him at halftime: ‘You are going to bring us back to win this game.’ Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said of McCarthy. “The look in his eye was fantastic.”
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams opened the game with a 9-yard rushing touchdown on the team’s first drive, and Chicago maintained the lead until the fourth quarter.