J.J. McCarthy, Vikings spoil Ben Johnson's Bears debut - ESPN

CHICAGO — Hello J.J. McCarthy. And welcome back to the Minnesota Vikings defense.

The team's new era at quarterback began with a rousing comeback victory over its NFC North rival in a 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears.

And for as much attention as McCarthy's debut will generate — it was the Vikings' defense that kept the team in the game while the offense struggled.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed his first 10 passes as Chicago took a 10-3 lead in the second quarter, but the Bears' offense didn't score again until 2:02 remained in the fourth quarter.

McCarthy accounted for three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including passes of 13 yards to Justin Jefferson and 27 yards to Aaron Jones Sr., and his 14-yard scramble in the fourth quarter put the Vikings up by 10 and accounted for the final margin.

Here are the most important things to know from Monday night for both teams:

What to make of the QB performance: If you drew up a reasonable but optimistic projection of how McCarthy's first NFL start would go, this would be it. He looked frenetic in the first half, changing plays frequently and looking unsettled in the pocket. An interception returned for a touchdown in the third quarter seemed to end the game. But McCarthy, who is now 64-3 in games he has started since his sophomore year in high school, settled down in the second half. The takeaway after his first start? McCarthy is a winner.

Trend to watch: The Vikings built the idea of their running game to help McCarthy transition into his role, and it spurred the team during its second-half run. Newcomer Jordan Mason managed only 14 yards in the first half but his hard running broke the Bears after halftime, and he finished with 68 yards on 15 carries. Mason's