Vikings
Souhan: Vikings are in dire straits, and it’s not Carson Wentz’s fault
The Vikings made two fateful decisions in the offseason that have them facing an early-October, must-win game next week in London.
By Jim Souhan
The Minnesota Star Tribune
September 28, 2025 at 8:30PM
Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz was under constant pressure from linebacker Nick Herbig and the rest of the Steelers defense Sunday at Croke Park in Dublin. (Dave Shopland/The Associated Press)
ADVERTISEMENT
It’s not when your quarterback, three of your offensive linemen and two of your linebackers are unproven young players, or journeymen.
They miss Kelly and Jackson, they will miss O’Neill, they miss Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman on defense, and they might be facing the rare early-October, must-win game against a Cleveland team with a powerhouse pass rush.
There is a chance that when McCarthy returns, he will be asked to either save the season, or prepare for 2026.
Sign up for the free Access Vikings newsletter to get exclusive analysis in your inbox every Friday. Subscribe to the Access Vikings podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
about the writer
Jim Souhan
Columnist
Jim Souhan is a sports columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune. He has worked at the paper since 1990, previously covering the Twins and Vikings.
See More