Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands off to Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears. (CARLOS GONZALEZ/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
End of Q1 – Advantage, Bears
Small sample size, but J.J. McCarthy needs to get the ball out of his hand. And the running game has to get going. The Bears have preached physical football throughout the preseason and the Vikings need to match that.
Q1, 4:51: Bears 7, Vikings 0
The Vikings offense is just not getting things moving here through its first two drives. J.J. McCarthy was under pressure again on third down, stepped forward into space but lost his footing and somersaulted over himself. Another three-and-out. Offensive line has some tightening up it needs to do.
Q1, 7:04 – Bears 7, Vikings 0
Caleb Williams led the Bears on a bit longer opening drive than his 2024 draft class mate. He completed 6-of-6 attempts for 51 yards. The Vikings defense stalled them just around the Minnesota 30-yard line, bringing up the Bears’ first third down. Out of a timeout and under pressure from Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman, Williams found a diving Rome Odunze for 17 yards and the conversion. The next third down in the red zone, Williams rolled out left and in to the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown run. Bears lead, 7-0.
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