J.J. McCarthy’s NFL debut gave the Vikings nervousness and excitement. A rookie quarterback’s first game had mistakes but also showed grit. The platform was heavy, but above all, how he responded was important. The Vikings’ former defensive end and five-time Pro Bowler and HOF’er Jared Allen saw more to that game. For Allen, McCarthy’s response to adversity was more about the kind of quarterback he is and not so much a one-game event.

In an interview with Kay Adams on the Up & Adams show, Allen was asked ‘What’s the most impressive part of his performance outside of like that grit.’ His response was revealing. “I think that’s what it says about him, right? Honestly, I think what you saw is what you got, and I think it shows the type of character he has, the type of man he is,” Allen said. Chicago put heavy pressure on McCarthy, and he tried to rush the ball to Justin Jefferson. Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright jumped the route and ran 74 yards for a pick-six, putting Minnesota down 17–6. Most rookies would be broken after this. McCarthy, however, buckled up to guide three fourth-quarter touchdowns and prevent his teammates from losing confidence.

Allen stressed resilience. “He throws a pick six, and he wants to go and tell his lineman, like, trust me,” Allen recalled. “You know, just I’ll be honest, if a rookie quarterback throws a pick six and he tries to come over and talk to me about, hey, give me the ball back. I’ve got your back. I’m like sit your a– down. We’re going to do it ourselves over here, you know. Allen recalled his playing days. “It just shows the kind of character he has, the kind of leadership he has, and then ultimately the trust that his teammates have in him to go out and respond like that.” Allen complimented the QB about the respect and faith he has from his teammates.

Allen strengthened his point by giving an example from the last season. ”Sam Darnold had a fantastic year for us last year, but in that last game against the Lions, when they hit the crap out of him, you’re like, oh man, this dude looks a little shook, right? And look what the Rams did in the playoff game. They took that same model—put pressure on, and his eyes are going to come off the receivers.” Allen explained. In that defeat to Detroit, Darnold completed a season-low 166 yards and reached just 43.9 percent of his receivers with no touchdowns since Week 10. The Vikings lost to Detroit, 31-9. They struggled in the red zone, turning the ball over twice on downs and settling for two short field goals on four trips inside the 20.

The contrast, Allen said, was stark. “McCarthy looked the opposite of that, to be honest with you. I mean, that dude was just getting beat down, and yet he kept stepping up.” For Allen, the difference was not between arm talent and system but between qualities: toughness, calmness, and leadership that can separate emerging quarterbacks from franchise cornerstones.

Historically speaking, McCarthy’s achievement was equally impressive. NFL Research states he became the second quarterback in history, after Cam Newton, to pass for two-plus touchdowns and rush for a score in his initial NFL contest. For a fan base eager for a franchise leader, that type of company is not just motivating, it is energizing.

Vikings edge Bears behind J.J.McCarthy

The win was just as challenging as the players’ efforts on the field. Minnesota trailed 10–6 at halftime. But McCarthy ignited the Vikings’ revival with a 13-yard TD pass to Jefferson, a 27-yard toss to Aaron Jones, and, later, a gritted 14-yard TD run. In less than a quarter, the rookie had turned things around, giving the Vikings a 27–17 edge with under three minutes left.

Chicago, with quarterback Caleb Williams, pulled it close. Williams connected with Rome Odunze for a late touchdown to cut the margin to 27–24, and the Bears forced a last-second punt. But the comeback bid fell short, handing Minnesota a win.

Williams, meanwhile, showed the form he exhibited early, completing 21 of 35 for 210 yards and rushing for the Bears’ most. He kept the Bears in the game with his calmness and athleticism until the whistle blew.

In the end, the night belonged to McCarthy. His three-TD fourth quarter not only sealed the win 27–24 but also validated Allen’s argument: the rookie may bend, but he won’t break.