For some time, it appeared that the primary ‘Monday Evening Soccer’ recreation of the season can be remembered as a profitable debut for brand spanking 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 recreation’s ultimate 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 means again in 1961. Mockingly, Tarkenton’s efficiency additionally got here in a win in opposition to the Bears in Week 1. Tarkenton’s huge debut was a foreshadowing of what was to return, 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 first quarterback to beat a fourth quarter deficit of no less than 10 factors since Corridor of Famer Steve Younger did it practically 40 years in the past. Sadly for Younger, the Buccaneers’ come-from-behind win over the Lions that day can be his lone win that yr as Tampa Bay’s beginning quarterback. He would later go on to have a embellished profession with the 49ers that included two league MVPs and a Super Bowl MVP.
Whereas his efficiency was one for the historical past books, McCarthy, who grew up a Bears fan outdoors of Chicago, will bear in mind Monday evening for a completely completely different purpose.
“Getting the win, that is what I am going to bear 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 children on the market, it is doable. I simply love my guys and might’t wait to go to warfare subsequent week.”
