Particle.news
Download on the App Store
313 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Rookie J.J. McCarthy’s Late Rally Caps Week 1 Marked by Collapses and Kickoff-Rule Shift

Costly miscues defined several Week 1 outcomes under a return-heavy kickoff.

Image
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 08: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after defeating the Chicago Bears 27-24 at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
McCarthy missed his rookie season with a knee injury.
Deebo Samuel #1 of the Washington Commanders signals a first down against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Landover, Maryland.

Overview

  • McCarthy delivered two touchdown passes and a 14-yard rushing score in the fourth quarter to lift the Vikings over the Bears, 27-24, becoming the first starting QB since 1985 to overcome a 10-plus point fourth-quarter deficit in his NFL debut.
  • The Bills beat the Ravens with an unprecedented finish, becoming the first team to win in regulation after trailing by 15 or more with under four minutes remaining.
  • Miami fell 33-8 at Indianapolis as Tua Tagovailoa committed three turnovers and the Colts scored on all seven possessions, with the Dolphins also ruling RG James Daniels out for Week 2 and listing CB Storm Duck out for several weeks.
  • The Jets squandered a fourth-quarter lead in a 34-32 loss to the Steelers after a Xavier Gipson kickoff fumble and critical penalties, and receiver Allen Lazard was a healthy scratch that raised questions about his role.
  • The NFL’s new kickoff produced only 18.6% touchbacks in Week 1 and roughly triple the number of returns versus recent seasons, signaling a rapid shift in special-teams strategy.