‘Now We Know It’s Possible’: Vikings HC Confident in McCarthy After 21-point Comeback Over Bears

‘[T]here’s no way to deny—we don’t win this game unless J.J. plays the way he did in the second half,’ coach O'Connell said.

J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings runs for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., on Sept. 8, 2025. Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell praised quarterback J.J. McCarthy for his gutsy comeback win against the Chicago Bears.

The Vikings struggled to get their offense going in Monday night’s game in Chicago, and were down 17–6 going into the fourth quarter. But McCarthy threw 2 touchdowns and ran for another in the fourth quarter, and the Vikings escaped with a 27–24 win. Speaking to reporters after the game, O'Connell said he never lost faith in his quarterback even when things were at their lowest.