Daijiworld Media Network- Chicago 

Chicago, Sep 9: Minnesota quarterback JJ McCarthy made a dream NFL debut in his hometown as he rallied the Vikings to a thrilling 27-24 victory over the Chicago Bears in the season opener on Monday. 

The 22-year-old bounced back from a costly interception  returned 74 yards for a Chicago touchdown that gave the hosts a 17-6 lead  by engineering a stunning fourth-quarter comeback with three touchdowns. 

McCarthy completed 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards, threw two touchdown passes, and ran for what proved to be the game-winning score. “It’s surreal. Your first NFL win… I can’t be more proud of the guys,” McCarthy said after the game.  

The Vikings quarterback became the first player since Steve Young in 1985 to rally from more than 10 points down in the fourth quarter and win his NFL debut. 
  
For three quarters, Chicago had control. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams opened with a perfect 10-for-10 passing streak, the Bears took a 10-6 halftime lead, and ex-Viking Nahshon Wright’s interception return extended their advantage to 17-6 early in the third.   

But McCarthy struck back in the final quarter, connecting with Justin Jefferson on a 13-yard touchdown, Aaron Jones on a 27-yard score, and Adam Thielen for a two-point conversion to put Minnesota ahead 20-17. He then capped the rally with a 14-yard touchdown run to secure the win. 

Williams added a late touchdown pass to Rome Odunze, but Minnesota held on to close out the game. 

The Bears, who last enjoyed a winning season in 2018 and have not won a playoff game since 2010, will now regroup as McCarthy and the Vikings look ahead to week two.