How Can the Vikings Quarterback Impress in Week One?
The Minnesota Vikings will take on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field tomorrow night on Monday Night Football. As this will kick off the Vikings’ 2025-26 season, the importance of getting a Week One victory over a division rival is exponential in gaining confidence for the rest of the season. Minnesota would have a busy offseason, making big upgrades to both the offensive and defensive lines. They would focus heavily on their interior offensive line, signing guard Will Fries to a five-year, $88 million deal and four-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly to a two-year, $18 million deal. They would also re-sign running back Aaron Jones on a two-year, $20 million contract. These moves would be made to help one specific player feel more comfortable, and that’s quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Now with their matchup tomorrow night, how can McCarthy have a successful first game as a starter?
The Bears’ biggest weakness on defense is their ability to attack the quarterback, with a lack of depth at the defensive line position. Chicago has edge rusher Montez Sweat, who would have had a bit of a down year last season, only able to get 5.5 sacks. This would lead the Bears in sacks for the season, and with their only real addition to the defensive line being Dayo Odeyingbo, Chicago is still lacking a very threatening quarterback attack. With the Vikings’ additions to the offensive line, it’s a perfect opportunity for them to protect McCarthy and give him the time he needs to make a throw. While the offensive line will be a key piece to making McCarthy feel more comfortable, the receivers will have an even bigger job.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson will have to have another impressive season, which could be his most vital one yet, with a brand new quarterback. Jefferson has been the Vikings’ main source of production the last five years. Coming off an impressive 1,533 receiving yards and 10 touchdown season, he will become McCarthy’s most comfortable target. McCarthy would have a helpful set of receivers in college with the Michigan Wolverines, which would ultimately lead them to winning a National Championship. Now, he will begin his quest to chase a Super Bowl and bring one to Minnesota for the very first time.
