Vikings Legend Nails McCarthy’s First TD

Monday Night Football was the beginning of what hopefully is a wildly successful career for new Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. It was definitely a slow burn as he struggled to get things going in the first half.

Kevin O’Connell felt he had his new starter prepared for action. McCarthy himself gets dialed in on a weekly basis. That didn’t stop the Michigan product from needing more than three quarters to find the end zone.

Once he did though, oh boy did it come in a big way. Hall of Famer Randy Moss spoke it into existence too.

Randy Moss calls JJ to J.J. for Minnesota Vikings touchdown

Things did not go well for the Minnesota Vikings in the first half. They trailed 10-6 and looked worse than the field itself. Chicago added seven points in the third quarter and things looked dire. Then he hooked up for his first career touchdown and Randy Moss spoke it into existence.

Randy Moss called his shot: pic.twitter.com/rjQG0jz9WK

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2025

“Well, I’m going with Justin Jefferson. You’re down 11, with 12 minutes to go. It’s time to get the playmakers the ball. Down here in the red zone, there he is, don’t show anymore on the screen. Let’s get “18” the ball this drive right here. Definitely.”

Randy Moss- ESPN

Talking to Peyton and Eli Manning on ESPN’s Manningcast, Moss made his prediction. They wanted his assessment for the Prediction Panel, and it was Moss’ image that got slapped on the Perfect Prediction Panel.

It wasn’t the easiest night for Jefferson. He has a couple of key drops, and the connection was not immediately smooth with his new starting quarterback. He finished hauling in four-of-seven targets for 44 yards and a touchdown.

Related: Vikings Defense Extra Confident Entering Matchup vs Caleb Williams, Bears Offense

The 44 yards were tied for a team-high with running back Aaron Jones. McCarthy went 13-of-20 with 143 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He worked all the way back from an early pick-six and lead Minnesota to a victory.

Minnesota has plenty to work on, and there’s now injury concerns for Blake Cashman (who left the game and did not return), but the return home with a Week 1 win. The Vikings will play in primetime again in Week 2 as they square off against the Atlanta Falcons for Sunday Night Football.