After a rough start to the Week 1 game against the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy saw a complete turnaround in the second half and pulled off an impressive comeback victory over the Vikings’ NFC North rival.
McCarthy looked very much like a young quarterback making his NFL debut over the first three quarters of the game, with the Michigan product looking indecisive and struggling overall.
But then something clicked in the fourth quarter and McCarthy turned into the player the Vikings thought they were getting when the team drafted him in 2024.
In the process, McCarthy made NFL history.
According to ESPN Research, McCarthy is the first player in league history to score three touchdowns in the fourth quarter of his NFL debut.
The Vikings’ comeback began with a six-play, 60-yard drive that ended with a 13-yard scoring strike from McCarthy to superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
After a Bears punt, the second-year quarterback led Minnesota on a three-play, 50-yard drive that ended with a beautiful 27-yard connection with running back Aaron Jones that put the Vikings ahead.
McCarthy put the finishing touches on his impressive night by capping off a nine-play, 68-yard drive with a 14-yard touchdown run that showed his toughness.
NFL+ revealed that McCarthy is the first player since Cam Newton to score two-plus passing touchdowns and one-plus rushing touchdown in his NFL debut.
In all, McCarthy completed 13-of-20 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns to one interception. He also had two carries for 25 yards and another score.
As badly as things started, they couldn’t have ended any better for McCarthy. If the fourth quarter was a sign of things to come, the Vikings are going to be just fine with the 22-year-old.
