NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal Bears-Vikings Week 1 MNF Recap, 49ers Injuries and an Eagles-Jags Trade!
Sep 9, 2025
Monday Night Football brought a thrilling comeback as the Vikings overcame the Bears in a nail-biter. J.J. McCarthy showcased his potential with a strong debut, while discussions on the teams' defensive strategies added depth to the recap. Key player injuries and their impacts on game dynamics were also highlighted. The conversation also delved into the evolving offensive tactics of the Vikings and intriguing trades, adding to the excitement of the NFL season ahead.
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Defense Fueled The Comeback
- The Vikings comeback hinged more on defense and simplified offense than on early offensive dominance.
- Brian Flores' defense repeatedly stopped the Bears until J.J. McCarthy settled and capitalized in the fourth quarter.
Simplify To Unlock QB Performance
- Kevin O'Connell simplified the Vikings offense in the fourth quarter and that unlocked McCarthy.
- Simpler plays (rollouts, flats, runs) plus momentum turned the game quickly in Minnesota's favor.
Athletic Plays Masked Offensive Issues
- Caleb Williams' early plays were mostly created by his athleticism rather than scheme execution.
- As the Vikings won the trench battles, the Bears' scripted offense eroded and Williams looked overwhelmed.