Posted on Sep 09

Vikings' J.J. McCarthy makes history in debut: "He’s got us," praises Hargrave

Posted Sep 9, 2025

J.J. McCarthy made history in his NFL debut, leading the Minnesota Vikings to a dramatic 27-24 victory over the Chicago Bears.

Why it matters: McCarthy's exceptional performance not only secured a win for the Vikings but also established him as a quarterback capable of overcoming significant challenges early in his career.

His three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter mark a historic achievement, making him the first quarterback to accomplish this feat in his debut.
Such a performance sets a promising tone for his future with the franchise, especially considering he was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

What’s new: The game showcased McCarthy's resilience and leadership on the field.

After a lackluster first half where he logged only 48 passing yards, he turned things around spectacularly, completing 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards and rallying the team from a double-digit deficit.
This aligns with the Vikings' offensive philosophy under head coach Kevin O'Connell, emphasizing adaptability and strong decision-making.

By the numbers: McCarthy joined an elite group of quarterbacks with his performance.

He is only the second player in the last 45 years to overcome a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter of his debut, alongside Steve Young.
This win marks yet another chapter in McCarthy's impressive football journey, as he holds a remarkable record of 64-3 in games that he has started since high school.

Yes, but: Despite the success, McCarthy's early struggles cannot be overlooked.

The Vikings did not convert a third down until McCarthy's critical touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson, suggesting room for improvement in their third-down efficiency and execution.
Navigating these challenges will be pivotal for McCarthy as he seeks to build consistency in performances moving forward.

What to watch: Going forward, McCarthy's development will remain a focal point for Vikings fans and management alike.

Observers will be keen to see how he builds on this performance in upcoming games, particularly regarding his ability to maintain composure under pressure.
As the season progresses, his chemistry with key offensive players like Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones Sr. will be crucial for the team's success.

The bottom line: J.J. McCarthy's debut is a promising sign for the Vikings, who have invested heavily in his potential.

With the right support and continued development, McCarthy could lead Minnesota into a successful era, potentially transforming the franchise's fortunes in the competitive NFC North.

Vikings' J.J. McCarthy makes history in debut: "He’s got us," praises Hargrave

Alex Parker

Posted Sep 9, 2025

J.J. McCarthy made history in his NFL debut, leading the Minnesota Vikings to a dramatic 27-24 victory over the Chicago Bears.

His three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter mark a historic achievement, making him the first quarterback to accomplish this feat in his debut.

Such a performance sets a promising tone for his future with the franchise, especially considering he was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

What’s new: The game showcased McCarthy's resilience and leadership on the field.

After a lackluster first half where he logged only 48 passing yards, he turned things around spectacularly, completing 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards and rallying the team from a double-digit deficit.

This aligns with the Vikings' offensive philosophy under head coach Kevin O'Connell, emphasizing adaptability and strong decision-making.

By the numbers: McCarthy joined an elite group of quarterbacks with his performance.

He is only the second player in the last 45 years to overcome a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter of his debut, alongside Steve Young.

This win marks yet another chapter in McCarthy's impressive football journey, as he holds a remarkable record of 64-3 in games that he has started since high school.

Yes, but: Despite the success, McCarthy's early struggles cannot be overlooked.

The Vikings did not convert a third down until McCarthy's critical touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson, suggesting room for improvement in their third-down efficiency and execution.

Navigating these challenges will be pivotal for McCarthy as he seeks to build consistency in performances moving forward.

What to watch: Going forward, McCarthy's development will remain a focal point for Vikings fans and management alike.

Observers will be keen to see how he builds on this performance in upcoming games, particularly regarding his ability to maintain composure under pressure.

As the season progresses, his chemistry with key offensive players like Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones Sr. will be crucial for the team's success.

The bottom line: J.J. McCarthy's debut is a promising sign for the Vikings, who have invested heavily in his potential.

With the right support and continued development, McCarthy could lead Minnesota into a successful era, potentially transforming the franchise's fortunes in the competitive NFC North.