For some time, it appeared that the primary ‘Monday Night time Soccer’ sport of the season could be remembered as a profitable debut for brand new Bears coach Ben Johnson. However after a dramatic flip of occasions within the fourth quarter, we all know that the competition will actually be remembered for J.J. McCarthy’s record-setting NFL debut that included a come-from-behind, 27-24 win for the Vikings.
Trailing 17-6 after three quarters, McCarthy placed on a present in the course of the sport’s remaining quarter-hour in turning into the primary quarterback to attain three fourth-quarter touchdowns in his NFL debut. He threw landing passes to Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones earlier than he discovered the top zone himself on a 14-yard run.
McCarthy additionally grew to become the primary Vikings quarterback to throw a number of touchdowns in his NFL debut since Vikings Corridor of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton did so approach again in 1961. Satirically, Tarkenton’s efficiency additionally got here in a win towards the Bears in Week 1. Tarkenton’s large debut was a foreshadowing of what was to come back, as he ended up enjoying 18 NFL seasons and retired because the league’s all-time profession passing chief. Tarkenton’s profession additionally included three NFC championships and a league MVP in 1975.
Along with becoming a member of Tarkenton within the historical past books, McCarthy additionally grew to become the primary quarterback to beat a fourth quarter deficit of a minimum of 10 factors since Corridor of Famer Steve Younger did it almost 40 years in the past. Sadly for Younger, the Buccaneers‘ come-from-behind win over the Lions that day could be his lone win that 12 months as Tampa Bay’s beginning quarterback. He would later go on to have a adorned profession with the 49ers that included two league MVPs and a Tremendous Bowl MVP.
Whereas his efficiency was one for the historical past books, McCarthy, who grew up a Bears fan outdoors of Chicago, will keep in mind Monday evening for a wholly totally different motive.
“Getting the win, that is what I will keep in mind most,” he informed ESPN’s Lisa Salters postgame. “Simply being right here within the hometown. , it is a dream come true. To all the youngsters on the market, it is attainable. I simply love my guys and might’t wait to go to warfare subsequent week.”
