Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled through the first three quarters in his NFL debut on Monday night, but it was the fourth quarter that truly mattered.
McCarthy orchestrated a thrilling comeback, leading the Vikings to score 21 points in the final quarter and secure a 27-24 road victory over the Chicago Bears to kick off the 2025 NFL season.
Last year, McCarthy spent the season sidelined with a preseason meniscus injury, watching Sam Darnold guide the Vikings to a 14-3 record. But coming into this season, McCarthy knew it was his time to take the reins at quarterback in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s dynamic offense.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) rushes against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025. (Matt Marton/Imagn Images)
McCarthy struggled early, as the Bears’ defense, led by new coordinator Dennis Allen, applied the right pressure to rattle the young quarterback. In the first half, he only managed to get Will Reichard into field goal range twice, while Caleb Williams and the Bears’ offense got off to a strong start under new head coach Ben Johnson.
But in the fourth quarter, with the Vikings trailing 17-6, McCarthy rose to the occasion.
It began with a six-play drive, capped by a precise throw to star receiver Justin Jefferson in the front of the end zone for his first touchdown of the season. The Vikings’ defense then stepped up, forcing a three-and-out on the next possession and giving McCarthy another shot at taking the lead.
After drawing a defensive pass interference penalty, McCarthy launched a perfectly placed deep pass to running back Aaron Jones. A successful two-point conversion put the Vikings ahead 20-17.
The final blow came on a nine-play drive that ended with McCarthy himself scoring on a 14-yard touchdown run. On a third-and-1 read-option from the Chicago 14-yard line, he barreled into the end zone, roaring with his teammates as the Vikings took a 27-17 lead with 2:53 remaining.
Despite Caleb Williams’ hot start, including a rushing touchdown on the Bears’ opening drive, Chicago’s offense fizzled under Johnson’s play-calling. They managed only a second-quarter field goal, and kicker Cairo Santos missed another in the fourth quarter, leaving the Vikings’ comeback intact.
Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois.
The Bears’ other touchdown came on a pick-six thrown by McCarthy in the third quarter, which at the time looked like it might derail the Vikings’ comeback given his early struggles.
Late in the game, however, it was Caleb Williams pushing a hurry-up offense to get Chicago back in contention. He eventually connected with Rome Odunze on a one-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to three points with just two minutes remaining.
The Bears’ defense forced a three-and-out on the Vikings’ next possession, but time ran out before another miracle could happen. Minnesota celebrated a hard-fought road victory.
McCarthy finished his first career start completing 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. In the running game, Jordan Mason carried the bulk of the workload with 15 rushes for 68 yards, while veteran Aaron Jones Sr. had eight carries for 23 yards. Jones also contributed in the passing game, tying with Jefferson for 44 receiving yards.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams scrambles during the first half of an NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago.
Williams completed 21 of 35 passes for 211 yards, adding both a touchdown pass and a rushing score. He led the Bears on the ground with 58 yards on just six carries, while D’Andre Swift contributed 53 yards on 17 touches. In the passing game, D.J. Moore made a big impact with 70 yards on just three receptions.
