How did the Vikings beat the Bears? McCarthy wills Minnesota to victory with 3-TD performance

David Suggs

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How did the Vikings beat the Bears? McCarthy wills Minnesota to victory with 3-TD performance image

The Vikings authored up a comeback for the ages against the Bears on "Monday Night Football", using a fourth-quarter rally to down Chicago, 27-24.

Minnesota looked like the second-best team on the field for much of the night, unable to find an answer for the Bears' standout defense. But in the fourth quarter, fueled by JJ McCarthy's historic exploits, the Vikings roared back, leaving their mark on a plush Soldier Field.

McCarthy shined beneath the glimmering Windy City lights. Here's a look at how he spearheaded Minnesota's final-frame rally.

How did the Vikings beat the Bears?

McCarthy and his Minnesota teammates found themselves behind the eight-ball throughout the first three quarters. The Vikings' defense held Chicago fairly quiet -- save for a Caleb Williams touchdown on the Bears' opening drive.

But Minnesota's offense sputtered. McCarthy tossed a pick-six to start the third-quarter, giving the Bears a 17-6 advantage. That deficit followed the Vikings into the fourth quarter, appearing all but insurmountable until the 12-minute mark.

That's when McCarthy found his rhythm. He and Jordan Mason combined to help put Minnesota in the red zone. And with 12:13 left, McCarthy found Justin Jefferson with a 13-yard heater to throw his first career touchdown and bring the Vikings within five.

Minnesota' defense continued to flex its might, sacking Williams en route to a three-and-out. A 22-yard return from Myles Price placed Minnesota in prime position to further cut into Chicago's advantage. Three plays later, the Vikings were on the board once more, taking the lead with a 27-yard McCarthy dart to Aaron Jones.

O'Connell's side kept the Bears quiet on the ensuing possession, retaining the ball back with about seven minutes left on the clock. McCarthy and Co. proceeded to embark on a nine-play, 68-yard drive, culminating with a wondrous 14-yard scramble to put the game out of reach.

Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze connected for a score with two minutes left. But it was too little, too late for the Monsters of the Midway.

McCarthy's display was a heroic one. He became the first QB to overcome a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter and win his NFL debut since Steve Young in 1985. McCarthy also is the second Minnesota hurler to record multiple touchdowns in their debut, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton.

Vikings comeback stats

The Bears held a 82.9 percent win probability after Wright's pick-six. As Minnesota mounted its comeback, the Bears' divisional toils became all the more evident. With its defeat, Chicago fell to 3-10 in its last 13 divisional contests.

Ben Johnson's arrival should help alleviate those issues in 2025 and beyond. But it will take him some time and Monday's result made that all the more clear.

David Suggs

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.