McCarthy Leads Vikings to Comeback Win in NFL Debut

J.J. McCarthy led the Minnesota Vikings to a dramatic come from behind win in his first NFL start, throwing two fourth quarter touchdown passes and rushing for another as the Vikings rallied to beat the Chicago Bears 27-24 on Monday night at Soldier Field. The 22-year-old, who grew up a half hour from the stadium and was making his debut on the primetime stage, turned a shaky outing into a signature late-game performance to open the 2025 season.

Minnesota trailed 17-6 after a first half that featured little offensive production and widened in the third quarter when McCarthy threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Through three quarters the Vikings had just 85 yards and were 0-for-8 on third down. McCarthy and Minnesota, however, erupted in the fourth quarter, scoring touchdowns on consecutive drives. McCarthy connected with Justin Jefferson on a 13-yard strike for his first touchdown pass of the game, then hit Aaron Jones on a 27-yard score, and finished the rally with a 14-yard rushing touchdown of his own to put the Vikings ahead.

McCarthy finished 13 of 20 for 143 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, and he rushed twice for 25 yards and a score,...