Some Aren’t Panicked One Bit about the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have already embarked on a rollercoaster season, winning the first game via dramatic comeback and playing lethargically six days later in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
The Minnesota Vikings played a terrible game in Week 2, but some outfits aren’t fazed by it one bit, including BR’s “panic meter.”
Time for panic? Not quite, says Bleacher Report, a site that assigned “Panic Meter” ratings around the NFL this week. For Minnesota, the panic level is at a two, according to Moe Moton.
The Vikings Are Navigating Choppy Waters
Week 2 was pretty damn awful for Kevin O’Connell’s Team
Panic Meter for Vikings? A ‘2’ Says Bleacher Report
BR’s Moe Moton took on the Vikings’ panic meter this week, claiming on a scale of 1-10 (10 as the highest panic degree), the panic should be a two — and nothing more.
“Although McCarthy has played poorly in seven out of eight quarters, he’s still in the early stages of his career development. Remember, McCarthy sat out his entire rookie campaign on the mend from two knee surgeries,” Moton wrote.
“He’s only made two career starts. Vikings fans shouldn’t have their hand anywhere near the panic button. Having said that, McCarthy posted modest passing numbers at Michigan. He needs a strong supporting cast around him. During the Vikings’ Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons, backup left tackle Justin Skule and center Ryan Kelly went into concussion protocol.”
McCarthy has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a high ankle sprain, and Carson Wentz will start.
Moton added, “Head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters that running back Aaron Jones Sr. is unlikely to play in Week 3 because of a hamstring injury. Also, keep in mind that starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw is recovering from knee surgery. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, McCarthy will miss two to four weeks with a high ankle sprain.”
“When he returns to action, Jordan Addison will have served his three-game suspension, which should help the offense. Assuming McCarthy recovers quickly, the health of his supporting cast will have a significant impact on his development. Panic Meter: 2″
J.J. McCarthy on the Shelf
McCarthy suffered the ankle sprain on Sunday night, thanks to the Falcons’ relentless onslaught of the Vikings’ offensive line.
Atlanta tormented the young quarterback, and although he finished the game, a high ankle sprain was the diagnosis the following day. Six days prior, McCarthy led a game-winning comeback in the 4th Quarter over the Chicago Bears, although few care about that moment anymore because McCarthy played so poorly in his second NFL start.
The panic, indeed, stems from McCarthy’s play and injury, mainly because fans believe the purple team has a Super Bowl-caliber roster otherwise.
This Is How QB Development Goes
Any panic is not needed. McCarthy did not play well in Week 2, but he was never going to forge 4th Quarter comebacks every single game. In some contests, McCarthy will play buffoonishly. During others, he’ll appear to turn the corner with poise, accuracy, and leadership.
Quarterback development is not linear, and the only reason panic should be involved is McCarthy’s durability. He’s on track to miss the first 18 games of 20 in his young career.
So long as McCarthy returns soon and avoids another 2025 injury, his development to this point — only two games — is pretty standard.
Burrowless Bengals Next Up
Regarding the team panic, Minnesota will host the Jake Browning-led Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Browning has filled in admirably before, but on the whole, he’s nowhere near Joe Burrow’s tier of quarterbacking.
With Carson Wentz under center, a journeyman, the Vikings have a winnable game to alleviate fans’ panic — for those expecting 2025 to maintain playoff hopes.
For a week, two, or three, it’s all up to Wentz to steady the waters.
Dolphins’ Panic Meter through the Roof
Moton claimed the Miami Dolphins are at the utmost stage of panic and explained, “The Miami Dolphins had an early players-only meeting to clear the air after a 33-8 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Instead of an inspired start to their home opener against the New England Patriots, the Dolphins fell behind 12-0 in the first quarter.”
“To their credit, they battled back to take the lead in the second half but eventually crumbled because of a poor offensive line and a costly turnover. Offensively, the Dolphins put together a far better showing than they did in Week 1, but the team has allowed 33 points in back-to-back games, including a kickoff return for a touchdown after its special team unit scored on a punt return.”
The Dolphins take on the Buffalo Bills Thursday night, so the mission gets no easier.
Moton concluded, “Miami hasn’t sustained any positive momentum, and head coach Mike McDaniel is searching for answers. Soon, the team may fire him as part of the solution. The Dolphins’ trip to Buffalo on Thursday in the standalone spotlight could shine a not-so-flattering light on everything that’s gone wrong in Miami.”
Minnesota remains a 2.5-point favorite to run its record to 2-1 this weekend over Cincinnati.
You must be logged in to post a comment.