Nahshon Wright’s Shocking Pick-Six Against J.J. McCarthy Sparks Bears’ Surprising 17-6 Surge

Watching J.J. McCarthy’s first outing in the NFL unfolds like a tough lesson in real-time—a baptism by fire, if you will. The promising young quarterback’s night hit a rocky patch right out of the gate when his quick pass intended for Justin Jefferson was snatched away by Nahshon Wright, who, with barely a soul near him, dashed 74 yards to snatch a pick-six—oh, and it just so happens Wright’s first career interception was a dagger against his old squad. Talk about drama. Wright, thrust into a bigger role due to the Bears nursing injuries at cornerback, quickly turned the tide, snagging an interception that dropped the Vikings deep in hostile territory. At that moment, the Bears spread their lead to 17-6, and McCarthy’s stat line was struggling to keep pace—just 5-of-9 completions for 48 yards and already beaten to the turf four times. It’s a harsh intro to the league, no doubt, but the kind that molds future greats. Feel that sting? Yeah—me too. LEARN MORE

Not much has gone right for J.J. McCarthy in his NFL debut.

His “welcome-to-the-NFL moment” came when he tried to hit Justin Jefferson quickly on the first blitz of the night from Dennis Allen’s defense. Instead of McCarthy finding his receiver for a modest gain, cornerback Nahshon Wright intercepted it and raced 74 yards untouched to the end zone.

Wright’s first career pick-six came against his former team.

Wright, who had only one career interception before Monday night, is playing significant snaps only because the Bears are hurting at corner with Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon inactive with injuries.

The Vikings were in field goal range at the Chicago 32 when McCarthy threw his first career interception.

Chicago now leads 17-6.

He is only 5-of-9 for 48 yards and has taken four sacks.