- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 752,281
- Reaction score
- 52
You must be registered for see images attach
Justin Jefferson calls out rookie QB as Vikings stun Bears on Monday night originally appeared on The Sporting News
What a game in Chicago on Monday Night Football. The Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears had fans thrilled all night long.
Jefferson shifts credit after comeback
The Minnesota Vikings opened the season with a dramatic 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, erasing an 11-point second-half deficit at Soldier Field. But instead of talking about his own touchdown, Justin Jefferson made it clear who deserved the spotlight: rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Speaking with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge after the game, Jefferson said, “The real one who deserves it is nine. He kept his head high, kept the energy rolling, kept his poise. He has that dog mentality.”
McCarthy delivers in prime time
McCarthy proved Jefferson right in his first NFL start. After Chicago’s Nahshon Wright returned an interception 74 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter, McCarthy answered with three straight scoring drives. He connected with Jefferson on a 13-yard strike, found Aaron Jones from 27 yards out, and sealed the game himself with a 14-yard run late in the fourth.
The rookie finished 13-of-20 for 143 yards, two passing touchdowns, one interception, and added 25 yards and a score on the ground. In doing so, he became the first quarterback since Steve Young in 1985 to win his debut after trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter.
MORE: JJ McCarthy picks up first NFL win in stunning come from behind fashion
A new era in Minnesota
For McCarthy, this night marked the beginning of what the Vikings hope will be a long run. Drafted 10th overall in 2024, he missed all of last season with a torn meniscus, leaving Sam Darnold to start every game. Now fully healthy, McCarthy has the job outright.
Minnesota drafted him knowing his resume 27–1 as Michigan’s starter, a national championship, and more than 6,200 career passing yards. On Monday night, that pedigree finally translated to the NFL, and Jefferson was the first to let everyone know.
MORE NFL NEWS:
- Los Angeles Chargers suffer costly setback after statement win in Week
- Jacksonville Jaguars trade running back Tank Bigsby following Week 1 win
- Cleveland Browns did what? And still lost the game? Say it ain't so!
- John Harbaugh stat revealed following embarrassing Week 1 Sunday Night Football loss
- How the Buffalo Bills did the unthinkable on Sunday Night Football
Continue reading...
