J.J. McCarthy debut grades: Vikings QB leads fourth-quarter comeback vs. Bears

Teddy Ricketson

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J.J. McCarthy debut grades: Vikings QB leads fourth-quarter comeback vs. Bears image

The Minnesota Vikings drafted Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. McCarthy was coming off a national championship win with the Wolverines. 

The Vikings let veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins walk in free agency ahead of the 2024 NFL season, but signed Sam Darnold to help give the rookie some depth and a mentor. McCarthy's rookie season ended before it could get started as he suffered a torn meniscus in the first game of the preseason. 

McCarthy rehabbed his injury and was able to heal fully to enter this season as the Vikings full-time starter. The QB had plenty of emotions coming into his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. 

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Here is how McCarthy fared in his NFL debut. 

J.J. McCarthy grades

  • First Three Quarters: D
  • Fourth Quarter: A
  • Overall: B

McCarthy struggled to get going early, finishing the first half completing 5-of-8 passes for 48 yards and one carry for 11 yards. He was largely unimpressive for most of the first half, with his best pass coming late in the second quarter when he hit Jalen Nailor for a 28-yard gain to set up a field goal that cut Minnesota's deficit to four. 

McCarthy's struggles continued in the third quarter, but he finally had a positive play when he found WR Justin Jefferson in the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown at the beginning of fourth quarter. The Vikings failed a two-point conversion, but were able to quickly get the ball back. That's when McCarthy hit RB Aaron Jones for a deep touchdown pass to take the lead with 9:46 left in the fourth quarter. 

McCarthy's final drive of the game not only ate time off the clock, but ended with him scoring from 14 yards out on a quarterback keeper with only 2:53 left in the game. When the dust settled on his debut, he became the first player ever with three touchdowns in the fourth quarter of his NFL debut. 

It was a tale of two halves for McCarthy, and if he continues to play like he did in the first three quarters, the Vikings will be in trouble. But if the quarterback can consistently show the confidence that he did in the fourth? Look for Minnesota to be a playoff contender in a tough NFC North this season. 

MORE NFL: Grading Titans QB Cam Ward in his debut

J.J. McCarthy stats 

  • Pass Attempts: 20
  • Pass Completions: 13
  • Pass Yards: 143
  • Passing Touchdowns: 2
  • INTs: 1
  • Passer rating: 98.5
  • Rush Yards: 25
  • Rush TDs: 1

MORE NFL: Grading Week 1 rookie and Aaron Rodgers debuts

J.J. McCarthy highlights

McCarthy first career interception was a pick-six by former Viking Nahshon Wright.

McCarthy threw his first career touchdown to Justin Jefferson at the start of the fourth quarter. 

Once McCarthy had one, he settled in and quickly got his second. This one, was a 27-yard strike to Aaron Jones. 

McCarthy showed that he can get it done on the ground too. 

Teddy Ricketson

Teddy Ricketson is a Digital Content Producer at The Sporting News. He joined the team in 2024 after spending the last three years writing for Vox Media as part of its DK Nation/Network team. Teddy does his best to support the South Carolina Gamecocks and Carolina Panthers, but tends to have more fun cheering on the Atlanta Braves. In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their two dogs, Bo and Hootie.