Can Kevin O’Connell Do It Again?
Week 2 of the NFL was a complete disaster for the Minnesota Vikings. Not only were they comprehensively beaten by the Atlanta Falcons, but in the game’s aftermath, things looked grim as the injuries piled up. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has much to ponder as he looks ahead to a Week 3 meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals.
VikingsTerritory examines the latest former first-round QB to learn under Kevin O’Connell, as Carson Wentz prepares for his Vikings debut.
One thing both the Vikings and Bengals have in common for their Week 3 matchup is an enforced change at quarterback. Joe Burrow sustained a turf toe injury that will require surgery and a possible three-month recovery timeline. Jake Browning will start for Cincinnati, making it the second time the former Vikings offseason and practice squad guy plays against Minnesota.
Kevin O’Connell Has a Chance to Do the Thing Again
The prognosis is not so bleak for JJ McCarthy, whose ankle sprain is expected to keep him out for just a couple of weeks. The injury does, however, give Carson Wentz a couple of games to show what he can do with this offense. It also offers O’Connell the chance to continue enhancing his reputation for fixing former first-round QBs.
Last year, it was Sam Darnold and even Daniel Jones who popped into Minnesota for a short while and have had a flying start to life as the Indianapolis Colts’ new QB.
Wentz is four years older than Darnold and Jones, but at not yet 33, there is still time for a career renaissance if O’Connell can work his magic again. If Wentz doesn’t work out, the next man in line is undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.
The former Minnesota Golden Gopher showed poise in his preseason outings, but his success would be as popular as it was. Finding out what Brosmer has this early would be far from ideal but whatever happens over the next couple of weeks the Vikings need O’Connell to be coaching at his best to keep this season from slipping away early.
What’s Wrong With the Vikings Offense?
Outside of the fourth quarter in Chicago, where a losing situation was turned on its head. It has been a struggle for Minnesota on offense so far this season. Three touchdowns came in that quarter, but the Vikings haven’t managed any in the other seven quarters of football they have played this season. Fingers will point towards the inexperienced QB, the faltering offensive line, and the play calling.
The truth is, all have been a problem, but all can be fixed, and it’s O’Connell who needs to find the solution.
The OL welcomed four new faces at the start of the season, with three signings aimed at revamping the interior: Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and Donovan Jackson. The group showed promise against Chicago but faced a tough night against Atlanta, where injuries took a toll, including a concussion to Kelly and Justin Skule, and a wrist injury for Jackson.
Skule, who was signed to cover for the injured Christian Darrisaw, has struggled in the opening two games. The Vikings have missed their star left tackle, but he could be back this week. If not, it could be Walter Rouse at left tackle.
A successful Vikings offense needs to run the ball more consistently. O’Connell has faced criticism for his lack of trust in the run game, but even though Aaron Jones is set for a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, the criticism remains. Jordan Mason looks capable of leading the rushing attack and giving him 20+ carries at least to build up a head of steam should be front and center in the Week 3 game plan. The goal is to get the ball out quicker in the passing game to build some momentum.
What Can Wentz Offer the Stuttering Vikings Offense?
Wentz is a long way removed from the 2017 QB who was on his way to leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl before injury struck. He returned to be a regular starter over the next four and a half seasons, but never reached those heights again.
For the last two seasons, he has been the backup QB for the Rams and Chiefs, starting one game in each season. Now the QB who grew up in North Dakota as a Vikings fan has the chance to start for his boyhood team. So, what does Wentz offer this stuttering Vikings offense?
Firstly, experience, the one thing McCarthy lacks, Wentz has plenty of with nine seasons in the league. He has the arm to push the ball down the field, something O’Connell will want to do, even if I think it should be done with caution, at least until the offense finds a bit of rhythm.
Wentz had the talent to be drafted second overall back in 2016, and while it’s been a while since we’ve seen that level of play from him. He should have enough left to run an offense with the talent the Vikings have at their disposal, competently. The way the Vikings’ defense is playing, combined with Cincinnati missing its starting QB, should give Minnesota a chance on Saturday.
If Wentz can put a couple of solid games together while McCarthy is out, it will add to the Kevin O’Connell, QB whisperer narrative. Then it will be time to tackle his most significant challenge to date when McCarthy returns.
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