NFL
By: Trevor Gibbs
On Monday, September 8th, at 7:15 pm, will be the beginning of the search for answers to a lot of questions about the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings rosters.
Most obviously, how ready is 22-year-old JJ McCarthy to lead a battle-tested Vikings team? Will McCarthy be able to maximize his weapons around him? Does the Head coaching change in Chicago really have a different impact on Caleb Williams? Will the new-look Vikings Offensive Line hold up vs a formidable Chicago Defense?
In a pre-draft interview with Rich Eisen, JJ McCarthy shared a video with Eisen of the day he was born. No, not of the actual birth itself. But it was McCarthy’s dad, Jim, telling his mother that baby “Jonathan James” would be nicknamed “JJ” and become “Daddy’s little Quarterback.”
After McCarthy shared that video with Eisen, McCarthy spoke of having the “ability to change your thought processes.” If you watch the whole clip, you hear McCarthy talking about meditation and manifesting his reality. That leads me to believe this kid doesn’t assume he knows it all; he can adjust and conform to his situation and establish a mindset to succeed in the situation he is in.
I think those qualities of McCarthy are why his teammates voted him captain so quickly.
But when it comes to releasing that football out of his hands, will he make his weapons look good? Looking back to his college days, McCarthy did well in play-action sets as well as laser-like throws into the chest of receivers.
In his preseason game vs the Texans this year, he threw the ball a little behind a speedy Jordan Addison (who is suspended for 3 games due to a hit-and-run incident). That makes me wonder how accurate McCarthy will be with a significant upgrade to his receiving corps from his college days. We’ll find out on Monday.
On the other sideline will be the Chicago Bears with first-year coach Ben Johnson and 2nd year QB Caleb Williams.
Last year, in Williams’ 17 starts at quarterback won 5 games. With a completion percentage of 62.5%. Throwing 20 TDs and 6 INTs. According to Pro Football Reference, he threw passes on target 72% of the time. Maybe one of his more hopeful stats for Bears fans.
Coming from the Detroit Lions, Ben Johnson was an esteemed offensive coordinator and was the target of the Bears’ front office. They got their guy.
Williams was known in year one for holding the ball too long and questionable decision-making skills. Was that a product of his coaching staff? Or is it an adjustment that Williams needs to make? On Monday, look for the urgency of Williams as he makes his progressions and see if he is more decisive tossing the leather.
For McCarthy or Williams to get those throws off, they need a little time and protection.
Last year, the Vikings gave up 49 sacks during the 2024 season. Most notably, giving up 9 of those in the Wild Card game vs the Rams.
This year, the Vikings added Ohio State product Donovan Jackson via the first round of this year’s draft. Also, two former Colts linemen with Will Fries and Ryan Kelly. The Colts only allowed 36 sacks last year. Potentially, 13 fewer hits on a young McCarthy.
The Bears’ issues with protection ran a little deeper. Giving up 68 sacks, which led the league last year.
They added veteran Jonah Jackson and rookie lineman Luke Newman to work with their established Tackle in Darnell Wright.
This will be a good stress test for both teams to see how their new semblance of offensive lines will hold up against well-established defenses.
Tune in Monday at 7:15 pm to see who comes out with their first victory of the 2025 season.
