The Minnesota Vikings face a critical decision that could define their future. This offseason, they let two starting-caliber quarterbacks go, banking on second-year QB J.J. McCarthy before his first regular-season snap. The front office seemed to avoid other viable options, trading for Sam Howell and promoting undrafted rookie Max Brosmer to third-string.
Fortunately, they signed veteran Carson Wentz as a backup before the season, a move that paid off when McCarthy suffered an ankle sprain in Week 2, potentially missing a month. Wentz led a 48-10 rout of the Bengals. As the Vikings head to Europe to face the Steelers and Browns, strong play from Wentz could spark a debate: stick with him or return to McCarthy?
“I expected to evaluate McCarthy’s promising early play, but after one good quarter, seven bad ones, and Wentz’s Week 3 blowout, we’re in a different spot,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote on September 24. “McCarthy’s injury gives Wentz a chance to shine under coach Kevin O’Connell, making the next month intriguing.”
Carson Wentz May Play Well Enough That Vikings Have to Hold a Healthy J.J. McCarthy Out of Starting Lineup
It’s surprising to think that J.J. McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury, could lose his starting role to Carson Wentz after just two weeks. However, this scenario seems unlikely in Minnesota. Coach Kevin O’Connell recently emphasized caution with McCarthy’s recovery, stating on September 22, “First and foremost, he’s got to get healthy. We’re not just going to throw him out there the day he’s healthy.”
Despite O’Connell’s vague comments about McCarthy’s long-term role, ESPN’s Dan Graziano was stunned by Jeremy Fowler’s suggestion that Wentz might keep the starting job even after McCarthy recovers. Graziano wrote, “Keeping a healthy McCarthy benched because Wentz is performing well seems shocking, given the Vikings’ clear commitment to him this offseason and their belief in their championship-caliber roster, which won 14 games last season. Let’s see how Wentz fares against Pittsburgh’s struggling defense in Dublin.”
Kevin O’Connell, Vikings Express Faith in Carson Wentz
On the September 23 edition of “The Pat McAfee Show,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell praised Carson Wentz, saying, “I’ve always been a fan of Carson’s. Big, strong, smart. The game makes sense to him.” He highlighted Wentz’s experience as a former second-overall draft pick and his valuable perspective, noting, “It’s a big thing for our team to add that kind of experience… to help our young quarterback and our whole team.”
Against Cincinnati, Wentz completed 14-of-20 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, managing the game efficiently without turnovers. If he sustains this performance, Minnesota might consider keeping him as the starter. However, if the Vikings return to J.J. McCarthy in Week 7 after their UK games and bye week, and he struggles, they could face a tougher decision: benching a healthy McCarthy for the 32-year-old Wentz, a move that could be both surprising and risky.
Source: HEAVY
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