The Minnesota Vikings struggled significantly during their Week 2 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, as their offense was unable to score points. Along with getting beaten convincingly by the Falcons, the team lost quarterback J.J. McCarthy to an ankle injury, which thrust former No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz into the spotlight.
With McCarthy struggling against Atlanta, there were a lot of questions about the Vikings‘ offense, especially with Wentz set to take over, even though the Cincinnati Bengals‘ defense isn’t exactly striking fear in the hearts of opposing quarterbacks.
Fortunately for Wentz, the veteran journeyman had the confidence of head coach Kevin O’Connell and superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson coming into this game, who expressed his confidence in the new starting quarterback earlier this week.
Carson Wentz Steps Up for Vikings With J.J. McCarthy on the Mend
Despite all the questions and doubts surrounding Wentz’s ability to lead the Vikings under center, the 32-year-old came through in a big way. Minnesota came two points shy of 50 on Sunday, with Wentz helping the team cruise to a blowout win, 48-10.
O’Connell had some high praise for Wentz in the Vikings‘ postgame press conference.
I do believe Carson Wentz, a guy that came in and played point guard for us, ran the show,” O’Connell said. “Ran the show. It was efficient. He made great decisions, he got through his progressions and did a lot of things to help the Minnesota Vikings win today.
I know it was an out-of-body kind of experience for him today, winning a game here at U.S. Bank Stadium as a former lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan. Not former, he is a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan.
Clearly, O’Connell is a happy head coach, and that he should be, considering Wentz’s performance and the team’s resilience after McCarthy’s injury and last week’s disappointing loss.
Wentz ended up throwing 173 yards and two touchdowns on 14 completions while throwing zero interceptions. He connected with Jefferson five times for 75 receiving yards.
Brutal Schedule Ahead for Vikings
Carson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a touchdown with teammates during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The first game in the books with Wentz as the starter under center, the resurgent Vikings have a tall task ahead, but O’Connell is impressed with what his team was able to do on Sunday.
“The goal was to go 1-0 today,” O’Connell said. “I know sometimes the 0-1s cause a likely storm and frenzy, and they should, especially with the expectations I know I have for this team and hopefully what our fans have for us. It showed some growth and maturity, and the ability to come back and put a performance like that together, really in all three phases, is very encouraging for the future.”
The Vikings will need to maintain this momentum with Wentz or McCarthy at the helm, as they face an incredibly tough schedule over the next six games. They’ll take on the Pittsburgh Steelers overseas in Week 4, followed by the Cleveland Browns (also overseas), Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens.
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Praises Carson Wentz’s ‘Point Guard’ Performance