In a significant development for the Minnesota Vikings, Carson Wentz is likely to start as the team’s quarterback in the upcoming game. This decision comes after a challenging outing for quarterback McCarthy in his second start against the Atlanta Falcons, marked by a series of unfortunate circumstances.
Factors Influencing the Decision
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell has pointed out several elements contributing to McCarthy’s struggles. These include:
- Injuries along the offensive line.
- McCarthy’s own ankle injury.
- A limited practice schedule due to the recent birth of his child.
Despite these challenges, O’Connell remains optimistic about McCarthy’s future, emphasizing the importance of proper footwork fundamentals. “He’s an accurate passer,” O’Connell stated, highlighting the need for McCarthy to establish a solid base to improve his performance.
Wentz’s Impressive Performance
Wentz’s potential to take the field is bolstered by his recent performance. He completed all nine of his passes during the final drive against the Cleveland Browns, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. This feat helped the Vikings secure a crucial win against one of the NFL’s toughest defenses.
With Wentz delivering such a strong performance, O’Connell faces a tough decision. Keeping Wentz in the starting position after such success could be an easy choice, especially with McCarthy still facing issues.
Upcoming Challenges
The Vikings have a tight schedule ahead, with a Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Chargers. This timeframe complicates decisions regarding personnel changes. O’Connell has a window of about two weeks to assess McCarthy and Wentz before further changes are necessary.
Ultimately, the Vikings’ strategy will hinge on balancing the need for immediate success with the long-term development of McCarthy as a franchise quarterback.
