It was billed as the battle of the rookies, and Monday Night Football didn’t disappoint. Under the bright lights and heavy expectations, two of the most highly anticipated young quarterbacks in recent memory took center stage for their NFL debuts: Caleb Williams for the Chicago Bears and J.J. McCarthy for the Minnesota Vikings. Both former college stars, both entering franchises in need of long-term answers at the position, and both with pressure that far exceeded their years. What unfolded over four quarters was a roller coaster of emotion, momentum swings, and historic performances—particularly from McCarthy, who overcame a brutal start to deliver a fourth-quarter comeback that is already being etched into Vikings lore.
The night began with fireworks—and not necessarily the good kind. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick and National Champion from Michigan, found himself in immediate trouble. A misread against a disguised Bears zone coverage led to a pick-six early in the game, setting the tone for a first half that looked like it might unravel quickly. The interception gave Chicago an early 17-6 lead, as Caleb Williams, the first overall pick out of USC, showed off the arm talent, mobility, and poise that made him one of the most coveted QB prospects in years. He was slinging the ball with confidence, finding DJ Moore and Keenan Allen in stride, and tucking it for first downs when needed. The Bears offense looked energized and focused, clearly built around their rookie quarterback’s strengths.
Williams finished the first half with 144 total yards and a touchdown—numbers that validated the hype—but it was the missed opportunities in the second half that ultimately defined his night. For all the potential he flashed, there were crucial mistakes late, most notably an overthrown deep ball to DJ Moore with two and a half minutes left that could’ve put the Bears in scoring range to tie or win the game. Instead, the pass sailed high, and with it went Chicago’s chance to control the final minutes.
McCarthy, meanwhile, emerged from halftime looking like a completely different player. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell had clearly done the work in the locker room—settling his young quarterback and giving him the green light to lead. McCarthy responded with command, resilience, and undeniable clutch. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards, two passing touchdowns, and a gutsy 14-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. It was a complete turnaround from the early struggles, and it culminated in a historic performance. McCarthy became the first quarterback in NFL history to account for three fourth-quarter touchdowns in his debut. It was a performance that not only silenced critics but immediately inserted him into conversations about the league’s most exciting young quarterbacks.
The turning point came midway through the fourth. Down 24-13, the Vikings were running out of time. McCarthy hit Justin Jefferson for a 13-yard touchdown to cut the deficit, then capitalized on a Bears mistake on special teams that gave the Vikings great field position. Just a few plays later, McCarthy found Aaron Jones for a 27-yard touchdown, and after the Vikings defense forced a three-and-out, the stage was set. With just over three minutes left, McCarthy led a poised, methodical drive capped by a fearless 14-yard scramble for a go-ahead touchdown. The two-point conversion—another perfectly placed pass to veteran Adam Thielen—made it 27-24. Minnesota had stormed all the way back.
The Bears had one last chance, but their drive fizzled. A false start pushed them behind the chains, and Williams’ final throws were rushed and off-target. The Vikings defense, which had been torched early, rose to the occasion with six consecutive third-down stops in the second half. When the clock hit zero, McCarthy had pulled off one of the most dramatic rookie debuts in recent memory, while Williams was left reflecting on a game that started strong but slipped away late.
Still, there were positives for both teams. For Minnesota, the win was monumental—not just because of the comeback, but because of what it represented: a potential franchise quarterback showing the composure, athleticism, and leadership that has eluded the organization since the peak of the Kirk Cousins era. McCarthy’s ability to bounce back from early adversity and still lead a game-winning drive speaks volumes about his mental toughness and football IQ. He wasn’t just making safe throws or leaning on the run game; he was attacking the Bears secondary, throwing with anticipation, and using his legs when the moment called for it.
For Chicago, while the loss stings, the flashes from Caleb Williams suggest there’s a very real foundation to build upon. His pocket presence was solid for most of the game, and his athleticism gave the Vikings defense consistent headaches. The problem wasn’t Williams’ talent—it was the breakdowns around him. The Bears committed costly penalties, had multiple special teams gaffes, and made questionable play calls down the stretch. This wasn’t a collapse driven solely by a rookie quarterback. It was a team still learning how to win.
There’s also an emotional component to what this game means in the broader NFL narrative. McCarthy and Williams are going to be compared for years to come—not only because of when they were drafted, but because of how they play. Williams is electric, improvisational, a creative force who thrives in chaos. McCarthy is more measured, more traditional, but with a big arm and deceptive athleticism. Monday night was the first chapter in what could be a long and compelling rivalry between two young quarterbacks who might define the NFC North for the next decade.
As the dust settles, it’s clear that the Vikings found something special in McCarthy. His performance was more than just numbers—it was about timing, grit, and seizing the moment. It’s not easy to recover from a pick-six in your first NFL start. It’s not easy to walk into a division rival’s stadium and deliver a comeback win. But that’s exactly what McCarthy did. And now, with the Vikings sitting at 1-0 and a winnable schedule ahead, the buzz in Minnesota is real.
For Chicago, the questions are more about consistency and game management. Williams has the tools. He made plenty of throws that showcased why he was the number one pick. But the Bears’ inability to close out games—something that’s plagued them even before Williams arrived—continues to be a concern. Head coach Matt Eberflus will need to find a way to clean up the discipline issues, protect his quarterback better in key moments, and design closing drives that don’t fall apart under pressure.
Still, it’s Week 1. Both teams have room to grow. Both quarterbacks showed enough to keep fans excited. But in a game where both had everything to prove, it was McCarthy who delivered in the biggest moments. He didn’t just survive his debut—he owned it. And as he jogged off the field with the game ball tucked under his arm and a stadium silenced behind him, there was no mistaking it: the Vikings may have just found their guy.
