Carson Wentz Got the Experience J.J. McCarthy Hoped For
Carson Wentz wasn’t perfect on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, nor was he exceptional. What he did do was protect the ball, move the chains, and do enough to win. That latter part of the recipe is what Minnesota is hoping for in the early stages of J.J. McCarthy’s career.
Carson Wentz started for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and the insertion of Christian Darrisaw at the left tackle position gave him hope.
They can’t have any further development in that vein for the next few weeks as the youngster deals with a high-ankle sprain. It’s going to be Carson Wentz in Dublin, and it’s likely his turn again in London. It remains to be seen how the position shakes out after the bye, but things are set for now.
Carson Wentz, Not J.J. McCarthy, Participated in an Autopilot Win
What Wentz did experience, something that McCarthy didn’t have to his credit, was a competent left tackle. Minnesota’s offensive line was not completely intact on Sunday. Ryan Kelly, their starting center, was sidelined as he works his way back from a concussion. They did get Christian Darrisaw back, though, and that could not have been felt more.
Justin Skule started the first two games for the Vikings in the absence of Darrisaw. The starter was still working his way back from knee surgery after a season-ending injury last year. It appeared as though he would be ready, but all parties involved decided that additional precautions should be taken.
When Skule was on the field, the Vikings experienced one of the worst tackles in football. McCarthy’s situation put him in a bad spot. Darrisaw’s return opened things up for Jordan Mason in the running game, and it gave Wentz a chance to compete in the pocket. The difference between one of the best and one of the worst was so stark you couldn’t avoid seeing it.
There’s certainly a possibility that Wentz plays to an even higher level in the next couple of weeks. That would make it harder for Minnesota to swap quarterbacks. The reality, though, is that McCarthy never had a chance with the talent, or lack thereof, guarding his blindside.
If he gets the opportunity to work with Darrisaw, it will be time to honestly evaluate his status as a viable starting option.
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