So much for a 17-6 Bears lead in the second half of the season opener with Minnesota. J.J. McCarthy, the West-suburban La Grange Park-native leads three fourth quarter touchdown drives ...winning his career debut where he once watched his first NFL game (Bears-Vikings 18 years ago at Soldier Field), 27-24.
"All three phases, we all had a hand in this loss." Safety Kevin Byard says. "We had the blocked punt. We gave up those touchdowns late in the game that allowed them to get the lead. As a team, we have to learn how to win. These teams aren't just going to give you the game. They're all going to go down to the wire. We just have to find a way to finish."
A missed Cairo Santo field goal and 12 penalties for 127 yards handicap the home team.
"We just have to play disciplined football." Cornerback Nashon Wright says. "We kind of let them off the hook ...that's for sure."
Wright sizzled 74yds for an interception return touchdown. The Bears had a 17-6 third quarter lead. Before McCarthy and the Vikings turn the storyline around at Soldier Field.
In Caleb Williams first game running plays for new head coach Ben Johnson; 21/35, 210 yards, 1 TD pass, 1 TD run
"I think there's a lot of good there." Williams says. "It is a growing process. This is the start but definitely not the end. So we'll keep growing, we'll keep being passionate about this offense, and passionate about this team and winning."
A scramble-heavy Williams added a team best 58 yards rushing ...and a nine-yard scramble for a touchdown that put the Bears up 7-0 on their opening drive.
"He started off really well." Ben Johnson says. "I'll have to go back and see where those incompletions came in. It certainly felt like it dried up a little bit. Probably a credit to (defensive coordinator Brian) Flores and the Vikings as well."
Johnson loses his head coaching debut ...against the renowned Flores and highly rated Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell.
Some key defensive players OUT last night, remain question marks for week two, Sunday at noon in Detroit; cornerback's Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, and linebacker T.J. Edwards.