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McCarthy rebounds in first start, leads Vikings to comeback win
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) drops back to pass during the first half at Soldier Field. David Banks-Imagn Images

J.J. McCarthy rebounds in first start, leads Vikings to comeback win

By Mike J. Asti  |  Last updated Sep 8, 2025 11:44 PM ET

With his first career NFL start coming on "Monday Night Football," it took awhile for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy to find a rhythm. But once he did, he accomplished a major milestone and led his team to a big comeback win. 

Early in the fourth quarter with his team trailing the Chicago Bears 17-6, McCarthy threw his first career NFL touchdown pass. 

And in fitting fashion, McCarthy's first touchdown strike went to Justin Jefferson, the receiver who will likely catch many more of them in the future as well.

McCarthy threw a laser from the 20-yard-line to the middle of the end zone. Jefferson came up with the catch in between multiple defenders.

But McCarthy wasn't done sprinkling his magic. 

Then, just a few minutes later, McCarthy was at it again. This time he let it rip and found Aaron Jones for a 27-yard bomb for another touchdown, the second of McCarthy's young career. 

After a rough first three quarters, the 10th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan eventually found a groove for Minnesota. 

This would result in a 27-24 win over the Bears. 

The Vikings handed McCarthy, who was forced to miss his entire rookie year with an injury he suffered during his first training camp, the keys to the franchise as their starting quarterback after letting Sam Darnold leave as a free agent in the offseason. 

McCarthy finished his memorable night, going 13-for-20 for 143 yards through the air and 25 on the ground. He scored three touchdowns, also adding an explosive run to the end zone to secure the win in the final minutes. 

Mike J. Asti
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Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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