ESPN Weighs in on the Vikings Big Mystery
What happens if Carson Wentz balls out in the next game, two, or three?
Some fans are whispering in the shadows about the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback plans, and ESPN has thoughts on the topic.
That’s a question proffered by Minnesota Vikings fans this week, as QB1 J.J. McCarthy battles a high ankle sprain.
And the topic is so widespread that ESPN weighed in this week.
The Vikings’ QB Situation Evolves
Will there be a “Wentz or McCarthy” debate?
ESPN on Riding the Hot Hand with Carson Wentz, if Applicable
In the shadows, Vikings fans, accustomed to seeing backup quarterbacks win everybody’s hearts, have wondered for the last few days if head coach Kevin O’Connell would bench Wentz when McCarthy is healthy if the Vikings win games with Wentz. It’s on folks’ minds.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler weighed in: “In Minnesota, what happens if Carson Wentz catches fire over these next few weeks and recharges Minnesota’s offense? Does that then become a temporary reset for J.J. McCarthy after he returns from his high ankle sprain, if only for a few games?
“Taking the Vikings’ word about their belief in McCarthy, such a move would be a surprise. But aside from the fourth quarter in Chicago, McCarthy’s play has been worrisome.”
So, yes — the question you’ve pondered is on the minds of ESPN pundits as well.
The Theory on McCarthy, No Matter What
Then, Dan Graziano level-set the discussion.
He wrote, “Man, if the Vikings moved off McCarthy, they’d pretty much be acknowledging that everything they told us about their faith and belief in him this offseason was a ruse. I think the team really believes he’s at the stage of his development where he needs to play, and I would expect him to get the job back once he’s healthy.”
“But you make a good point. If Wentz has them humming, it’d be worth wondering whether they’d stick with him. This is a team that won 14 games last season and knows it has a roster capable of making the playoffs. Minnesota wants this to be a key development year for McCarthy, but it also wants to win games.”
Wentz winning consecutive games may not be enough to derail the plan to develop McCarthy. Minnesota may be that committed.
McCarthy Needs Snaps
Let’s be frank. There’s no other way around this: McCarthy needs playing time. Watching film and observing from the sidelines is great, but the man needs snaps and must continue to take his lumps.
This is how quarterback development goes. Because NFL fans have fallen in love with outstanding rookie performances from Jayden Daniels, C.J. Stroud, and Justin Herbert, for example, there’s an expectation that every quarterback will flourish out of the gate.
And that’s just not true.
Josh Allen stunk in 2018. Like really, really stunk. He ranked 32nd in the NFL per EPA+CPOE out of 34 qualifying quarterbacks that year. Minnesota cannot bench McCarthy for the short term, even if Wentz plays well. It would be counterproductive to the long-term goal of molding McCarthy into a top-tier passer.
Trey Lance Parallels, if Not
If the Vikings disagree and ride the would-be hot hand with Wentz, well, McCarthy will be compared to Trey Lance — some are already doing that — a parallel that will be amplified if rookie quarterback Max Brosmer sees the field.
In San Francisco three years ago, the 49ers planned to develop Lance, the third overall pick in 2021, but Purdy quickly showed the oomph as a QB1. Due to injury, Purdy swiftly took over the QB1 post, and to this day, he’s the 49ers’ starter.
Lance is a backup to Justin Herbert in Los Angeles.
The Same Panel on the Chiefs’ Woes
The Kansas City Chiefs have a mystery, too: When will the team get back on its dynastic track?
Graziano opined on that: “The Chiefs’ offense feels as if it’s going to continue to struggle until Xavier Worthy is back from his injury (likely within the next couple of weeks) and Rashee Rice returns from his suspension in Week 6.”
“Patrick Mahomes worked with both of those receivers throughout camp, and, as we discussed here last week, he doesn’t have his timing down yet with the likes of Tyquan Thornton and Hollywood Brown. But in the meantime, Kansas City remains puzzled by its struggles in the run game.”
Generally speaking, NFL fans are not accustomed to seeing the Chiefs with a 0-2 record through two weeks.
Graziano continued, “The team believed that Isiah Pacheco was running like his old self in camp and that he would be productive right out of the gate; he has not been. The Chiefs need to find ways to generate more productive offense with him and Kareem Hunt, or else don’t be surprised if at some point soon rookie Brashard Smith gets a shot.”
“They view him as a different kind of back from those two — more of a receiver type who can make explosive plays in space. Once they trust the rookie to handle all of the running back responsibilities, he could be a factor in their offense. Kansas City was very impressed with him in camp.”
The Vikings begin the resolution of their mystery in three days at U.S. Bank Stadium when Wentz leads the purple team against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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