Carson Wentz’s Dream Scenario Comes to Fruition
As soon as it became clear that JJ McCarty wouldn’t play in Week 3, attention switched to the North Dakota-raised, childhood Vikings fan, Carson Wentz, and his dream scenario of running out at US Bank Stadium as Minnesota’s starting quarterback.
It would only truly be a dream if Wentz led the Vikings to victory. Minnesota crushed Cincinnati by a score of 48-10.
VikingsTerritory looks at how Carson Wentz’s dream scenario came to fruition on Sunday in Minnesota.
McCarthy would have been under pressure this week after a poor offensive showing in his first outing at US Bank Stadium. His injury took the focus away from him but gave Wentz a chance to play. A good performance would bring calls from some to keep Wentz in, although McCarthy’s return is inevitable. You simply can’t give up on your first-round QB after just two games.
Carson Wentz Finished Part of the Story
Wentz spoke fondly of his upbringing as a Vikings fan, speaking to the media about time spent watching games at the Metrodome and joining in the skol chant. Clever work to ensure he gets the fanbase’s support as the “hometown hero”. Indeed, many hoped the Vikings would draft Wentz when he came through the collegiate ranks, but that never materialized.
On Sunday, he got the chance to realise his boyhood dream. It must have felt like he was dreaming when he took his new team down the field on his opening drive and finished with a touchdown pass to Josh Oliver.
The Vikings’ defense is among the best in the league, and they proved it on Sunday with a dominating display. They seemed able to turn the ball over at will, with Isaiah Rodgers becoming the first Vikings defender to score two touchdowns in the same game. Rodgers was named the defensive player of the week before the first half had concluded, such was the impressive nature of his performance.
Wentz vs. the Bengals
With the quality of Brian Flores’ defense, if the Vikings could establish a run game, which they did this week with Jordan Mason going over 100 yards. The view is that they need a QB who can distribute the ball effectively and minimize mistakes. That is what Wentz did, except for one pass that could have been intercepted if not for Jalen Nailor stretching and tipping the ball to safety. Other than that, Wentz showed poise and distributed the ball well.
With his family in attendance, Wentz’s match stats were 14 completions on 20 passing attempts for 173 yards and two touchdowns with a high completion rate. Nothing spectacular, but solid and more than good enough as Minnesota put a fine example of complementary football on show with all the phases of the game playing their part in the victory.
Kevin O’Connell Does It Again
It went so well for Wentz and the Vikings on Sunday that the QB was afforded the fourth quarter off. Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer got the fourth quarter as the Vikings gave playing time to a host of depth players — the luxury afforded to a team that puts on such a dominant display.
The former Minnesota Golden Gopher was cheered onto the field by the home crowd, and Brosmer didn’t look out of place. He showed poise as he completed a couple of nice passes and helped the Vikings run out the clock.
In the week, I asked the question — Can Kevin O’Connell Do It Again! —The answer was a resounding yes. Tony Romo even used the QB whisperer tag live on commentary. O’Connell’s reputation for being able to win with any QB continues to grow. We are likely to see Wentz for at least two more games.
CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson broke the news pregame of McCarthy’s injury timeline on Sunday after a conversation with the Vikings head coach. Wolfson Said, “I had a chance to speak with Kevin O’Connell, who said the plan for J.J. McCarthy is to make the trip to Europe and continue to rehab there, and then they have the bye, and he will hopefully play Week 7.”
Wentz’s performance and a team victory will have strengthened the Vikings’ position of not rushing anything with their young QB. Wentz should get to live the dream at least two more times as the Vikings head to Ireland this week to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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