The Minnesota Vikings made a strong statement in their Week 3 matchup, completely overpowering the Cincinnati Bengals with a score of 48-10. They had showcased their most impressive performance of the season. But beyond just the final score, the real buzz was around the quarterback position.
Veteran Carson Wentz might have just changed the narrative if we are to trust the whispers.
With rookie J.J. McCarthy out of action, Wentz stepped up and delivered a solid performance. As CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr put it, “Carson Wentz should remain the starting QB for the Vikings. Unfortunately for J.J. McCarthy, it wasn’t going to take much for Wentz to play better than him as the starting quarterback.”
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Wentz completed 14 of 23 passes for 173 yards and threw two touchdowns without any interceptions, earning a passer rating of 129.8. This was his first game with multiple touchdown passes and no turnovers since Christmas Day 2021.
Kerr added, “Wentz will get another shot to start next Sunday (in Ireland against the Steelers), but he’s better than McCarthy right now and allows the Vikings to win games. The Vikings should ride Wentz as long as they can at this point, even though they’ll likely go back to McCarthy once he’s healthy.”
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Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed after the game that Wentz will keep the starting role in Week 4 in Dublin, Ireland. McCarthy, who had a rough start in his first two games, is still healing from a high-ankle sprain.
“He’s responding well to the initial treatment, but for a young player, I want to ensure he’s fully healthy,” O’Connell shared with reporters. T
his cautious approach opens the door wider for Wentz.
Yes, the Vikings’ dominant rushing game and opportunistic defense played a huge part in the blowout. But Wentz did precisely what he was called to do.
He maintained the offense on course and didn’t make any costly mistakes. That kind of reliability is something O’Connell can count on as the team finds its footing. And while McCarthy is seen as the future, Wentz is showing he might just be the answer for the present.
Now, the real excitement lies ahead. If Wentz keeps playing without mistakes and racks up wins, the Vikings could find themselves in a quarterback controversy sooner than anyone anticipated. McCarthy may have been the draft pick O’Connell wanted, but right now, Wentz is the one giving Minnesota its best chance to succeed.
Carson Wentz revives career in Vikings’ dominant win over Bengals
Carson Wentz didn’t just step onto the field on Sunday; he made his mark in Vikings history. Now on his sixth team in six years, Wentz has made NFL history. He is the first quarterback to start for six different franchises in consecutive seasons. Against Cincinnati, he looked steady and efficient.
O’Connell praised his poise, saying, “I was the least surprised person in the whole building today that he was able to go out there and effectively run our offense.”
For the Vikings, Wentz’s tale is familiar. This is a franchise built on journeyman quarterbacks who found success in purple. Legends Fran Tarkenton and Daunte Culpepper come along rarely. But Minnesota has thrived with Randall Cunningham in 1998, Brett Favre in 2009, and Case Keenum in 2017.
Wentz, with his scars and setbacks, fits seamlessly into that lore. He also benefited from crucial reinforcements.
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw was back from injury, firming up the offensive line. Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson had 10 catches between them, and Jordan Mason powered the ground game with 116 rushing yards.
Meanwhile, rookie kicker Will Reichard landed a franchise-record 62-yard field goal.
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On defense, Isaiah Rodgers stole the spotlight with two touchdowns and multiple forced turnovers.