The Chicago Bears’ season opener under new head coach Ben Johnson ended in a heartbreaking 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, as a fourth-quarter collapse overshadowed an early lead and highlighted missed opportunities. J.J. McCarthy’s debut for the Vikings turned from struggle to triumph with three late touchdowns, spoiling Johnson’s first game at the helm and leaving the Bears to reflect on what could have been in a game they largely controlled for three quarters.
The Bears started strong, with quarterback Caleb Williams engineering a crisp opening drive that culminated in his 9-yard touchdown scramble, marking his first NFL rushing score and giving Chicago a 7-0 lead. Williams was efficient early, completing his first 10 passes and showcasing improved chemistry with receivers like Rome Odunze, while the defense forced multiple three-and-outs to stifle McCarthy and the Vikings’ offense throughout the first half. By halftime, the Bears held a 10-6 advantage, bolstered by a Cairo Santos field goal and a stingy defensive effort that limited Minnesota to just 80 total yards and four first downs.
In the third quarter, the Bears extended their lead to 17-6 when cornerback Nahshon Wright intercepted a McCarthy pass intended for Justin Jefferson and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the Soldier Field crowd. This play seemed to put Chicago in firm control, but the momentum began to shift as the Vikings’ offense, which had been stagnant, finally found rhythm. A missed 50-yard field goal by Santos early in the fourth quarter proved costly, giving Minnesota possession and a chance to rally.
McCarthy capitalized on the opportunity, leading the Vikings on three consecutive touchdown drives in the final quarter. He first connected with Jefferson for a 13-yard score, then found Aaron Jones for a 27-yard touchdown and a successful two-point conversion to take a 20-17 lead—Minnesota’s first of the game. McCarthy sealed the comeback with a 14-yard rushing touchdown, making it 27-17 and capping a stunning personal turnaround after a rough start to his NFL debut.
The Bears mounted a late response, with Williams throwing a 1-yard touchdown pass to Odunze with 2:02 remaining to cut the deficit to 27-24, but after forcing a Vikings punt, they had only nine seconds left from their own 20-yard line, insufficient time for a game-tying or winning drive. Head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged post-game that mistakes, including his own play-calling and execution errors, cost the team a victory they felt was within grasp.
This loss raises questions about the Bears’ ability to close out games under their new regime, while the Vikings’ resilience signals promise for McCarthy’s tenure as starter. Both teams now look ahead to Week 2, with Chicago facing the Detroit Lions and Minnesota hosting the Atlanta Falcons, as they aim to build on the lessons from this dramatic opener.