For one quarter, J.J. McCarthy made the Vikings look like geniuses

The Minnesota Vikings took a big risk at quarterback in the offseason

The Minnesota Vikings took a big risk at quarterback in the offseason.

After losing their final two games last season in disappointing fashion, the Vikings opted not to re-sign quarterback Sam Darnold — who led the team to a 14-3 record — in the spring. Instead, the team handed the starting job to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, who missed all of last year with a knee injury.

For three quarters Monday, McCarthy made Minnesota look foolish for handing him the reins of a Super Bowl contender.

Then he made the risk pay off.

McCarthy led the Vikings to a 21-point fourth quarter and a 27-24 comeback win over the Chicago Bears on "Monday Night Football," overcoming a slow start and a pick-six before his clutch final frame.