CHICAGO — Good day J.J. McCarthy. And welcome again to the Minnesota Vikings protection.
The group’s new period at quarterback started with a rousing comeback victory over its NFC North rival in a 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears.
And for as a lot consideration as McCarthy’s debut will generate — it was the Vikings’ protection that saved it within the recreation whereas the offense struggled.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams accomplished his first 10 passes as Chicago took a 10-3 lead within the second quarter, however the Bears offense didn’t rating once more till 2:02 remained within the fourth quarter.
McCarthy accounted for 3 touchdowns within the fourth quarter, together with passes of 13 to Justin Jefferson and 27 yards to Aaron Jones Sr., and his 14-yard scramble within the fourth quarter put the Vikings up by 10 an accounted for the ultimate margin.
Listed here are crucial issues to know from Monday evening for each groups:
What to make of the QB efficiency: If you happen to drew up an inexpensive however optimistic projection of how McCarthy’s first NFL begin would go, this might be it. He regarded frenetic within the first half, altering performs continuously and looking out unsettled within the pocket. An interception returned for a landing within the third quarter appeared to finish the sport. However McCarthy, who’s now 64-3 in video games he has began since his sophomore 12 months in school, settled down within the second half. The takeaway after his first begin? McCarthy is a winner.
Pattern to observe: The Vikings constructed the concept of their working recreation to assist McCarthy transition into his position, and it spurred the Vikings throughout their second-half run. Newcomer Jordan Mason managed solely 14 yards within the first half however his exhausting working broke the Bears after halftime, and he completed with 63 yards on 12 carries. Mason’s emergence coincided with the Vikings’ first two landing drives.
Stat to know: The Vikings’ offense wanted assist in the primary half after accumulating solely 80 yards and 4 first downs, and kicker Will Reichard got here to the rescue. His 59-yard discipline purpose simply earlier than halftime tied a Soldier Area report, a notable achievement given the traditionally unhealthy climate and discipline circumstances in Chicago, and was the second-longest in Vikings historical past. Minnesota’s report is 61 yards by Greg Joseph, transformed indoors at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in 2022. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent recreation: vs. Atlanta Falcons (8:20 p.m. ET, Sept. 14)
For practically three full quarters, the Ben Johnson period regarded like it will start by placing the “usual Bears” moniker to mattress. Chicago started its season opener at Soldier Area with a landing and constructed a double-digit lead late within the third quarter behind a stout defensive efficiency.
However missed alternatives to distance themselves from the Vikings proved expensive. After rattling quarterback McCarthy in his NFL debut, the Bears protection struggled to comprise a Vikings offense that scored 21 unanswered factors within the fourth quarter to wrestle the lead away from the Bears.
Monday evening was Chicago’s fourth loss within the final 4 seasons when getting into the fourth quarter with a double-digit lead. That’s twice as many as some other group over that span.
For a group making an attempt to go away the atrocities of final season prior to now, the identical points proceed to be an issue.
Turning level: The Bears noticed the 17-6 lead they constructed after Nahshon Wright’s pick-six waste away throughout a stretch that started late within the third quarter. Williams was flagged for intentional grounding with Chicago at Minnesota’s 34-yard line. Two performs later, Cairo Santos’ 50-yard discipline purpose try went extensive proper. The Vikings then scored on back-to-back possessions to take the lead.
Wasted momentum: Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen despatched the home on third-and-8 early within the third quarter with the Vikings in discipline purpose vary. The seven rushers rattled McCarthy into throwing an interception, which resulted within the first defensive/particular groups landing of the 2025 season. Wright jumped Justin Jefferson’s route and ran again a 74-yard pick-six to offer Chicago a 17-6 lead. It’s the second straight season opener the place the Bears broke open the sport with a pick-six.
What to make of the QB efficiency: Caleb Williams’ 10 straight completions to start out the sport was the longest streak by a Bears quarterback to start out a season opener since 1978 and probably the most consecutive completions in his NFL profession. However issues modified dramatically within the second half. He completed 20 of 34 for 191 yards and scored a dashing TD and passing TD. His passer score was 84.3 and he was sacked twice.
Troubling development: The Bears have been flagged 12 instances and racked up 127 penalty yards. Pre-snap penalties have been a difficulty all through coaching camp and a development the Bears couldn’t buck after 4 false begins within the first half. Two defensive move interference calls led to factors for Minnesota — a 31-yard discipline purpose and the Vikings go-ahead landing. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent recreation: at Detroit Lions (1 p.m. ET, Sept. 14)
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