MINNEAPOLIS — J.J. McCarthy had Justin Jefferson open near the sideline on third down, with the Minnesota Vikings badly needing a move-the-chains play at that moment in the third quarter to keep the drive going in the face of a 10-point deficit and find some of the rhythm that's been missing most of this season.

The ball sailed so far over Jefferson's head it didn't even warrant a jump from the two-time All-Pro wide receiver.

McCarthy raised his arms to press his palms against the top of his helmet, immediately realizing the latest missed opportunity and blaming himself for another bad throw.

Despite the go-ahead touchdown pass McCarthy delivered to Jordan Addison with 50 seconds left, a sudden lapse by the Vikings on special teams after a solid afternoon in that phase gave the Chicago

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