What if Carson Wentz Just … Works?
The Minnesota Vikings are now in the same situation they found themselves last season. J.J. McCarthy is hurt, and they must rely on a veteran quarterback to step in. It can be argued that Sam Darnold was the favorite to start last season, but there’s no question that Carson Wentz was expected to be the backup.
Carson Wentz is taking over at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, and it’s possible he runs with the position, and things just work.
The reality, though, is that Wentz has a ton of experience in the NFL, and he has won at a good clip previously. With multiple weeks of experience within this system now under his belt, Wentz will take the reins on Sunday, and he could very well get the job done…consistently.
There’s a Chance That Carson Wentz Does the Thing
Carson Wentz has played on some outstanding teams. The Philadelphia Eagles won a Super Bowl after he went down late in the season. The Kansas City Chiefs just went to one with him as their backup last season. If there is someone who has seen the pinnacle of the sport, it’s Wentz.
Kevin O’Connell has been praised for his ability to develop quarterbacks. It’s hard to pour water on that when he has won games with Joshua Dobbs, Nick Mullens, and even got Sam Darnold a sizable contract. Wentz may arguably be the best clay of those to mold.
Not only does Wentz bring a relatively safe floor on his own, but now he gets to work with an impressive group of skill position players. Jordan Addison will return to action in Week 4. Right now, Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Jordan Mason, and T.J. Hockenson are all present. There needs to be a greater level of play from a couple of those, but the ability to do so is there.
The greatest detriment to Wentz might be the group in front of him. The offensive line has been a mess for the Vikings thus far. That is largely due to injuries and lack of availability. The sooner Christian Darrisaw can return to protect the blindside, the better any quarterback under center will feel. Once he is active, the group as a whole should see a significant uptick.
Wentz is going to get at least a couple of weeks to show what he can do. If he plays well enough to substantiate the offense as a threat, there may not be a reason to immediately reinsert J.J. McCarthy in his place. The young quarterback struggled through the majority of his exposure during the first two weeks. He may benefit from additional practice reps.
A productive Wentz gives the Vikings options. The better he performs, the more Minnesota can feel confident about its path going forward.
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