J.J. McCarthy Leads Vikings to Stunning Comeback Victory Over Bears in NFL Debut
In an unbelievable NFL debut, J.J. McCarthy proved he’s the real deal, orchestrating a jaw-dropping comeback to lead the Minnesota Vikings to a stunning victory over the Chicago Bears. After a shaky start, McCarthy turned the game around, delivering clutch plays and showcasing his ice-cold composure in the final moments to secure the win.
With the Vikings down by double digits, McCarthy displayed poise under pressure, making critical throws and leading the offense down the field when it mattered most. His game-winning drive was nothing short of spectacular, earning him instant recognition as one of the NFL’s most promising young quarterbacks.
“It wasn’t easy, but I knew we had the ability to get back into it,” McCarthy said after the game. “I just kept trusting the team and making the plays I knew we could make.”
The victory not only marked a huge milestone in McCarthy’s career but also sent a clear message across the NFL: this rookie QB is ready to take over. The Vikings' future is bright, and McCarthy’s debut performance has fans and analysts alike buzzing about the team’s potential to make waves this season.
With his first game under his belt, all eyes are now on J.J. McCarthy—could this young star be the quarterback Minnesota has been waiting for?
Jim Harbaugh talks rivalry with Pete Carroll ahead of 'MNF' matchup
Fans of the Pete Carroll-Jim Harbaugh rivalry will be happy to know it hasn't subsided, despite a hiatus that has lasted for more than 10 years.
Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) will face Carroll and the Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) on "Monday Night Football" at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN. It's the first time the coaches have squared off since the 2014 season, when Harbaugh was with the San Francisco 49ers and Carroll was with the Seattle Seahawks.
Jim Harbaugh speaks on his relationship with Pete Carroll ahead of Week 2
"I always thought if I had ever played for him or one of his teams — because he was coaching when I was playing — or was on his staff when I got into coaching, I bet we would've been really good friends," the former NFL quarterback told the media Wednesday. "Alas, we have been on opposite sides, so I'm not on his Christmas card list."
It's not surprising they don't wish each other a merry Christmas. It's fair to wonder if they'll even talk before Monday's game.
The rivalry started at the college level when Carroll was coaching at USC and Harbaugh was at Stanford. The Cardinal went 2-1 against the Trojans under Harbaugh.
This included a 55-21 rout during the 2009 season, where Harbaugh tried to run up the score by attempting a two-point conversion at the end of the game. Afterward, the coaches met at midfield, and Carroll asked, "What is your deal?"
Carroll would get revenge in the NFC Championship Game during the 2013 season. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 after cornerback Richard Sherman deflected a pass intended for wide receiver Michael Crabtree, which was intercepted.
Per Stats Perform, Carroll has a 5-4 record (including playoffs) against Harbaugh in the NFL. His teams have won the last three matchups.
Don't be surprised if a super-passionate Harbaugh shows even more fire in the Chargers' road game on Monday. He'll want to even the score with Carroll.
