Sports
Carson Wentz Needs a Minnesota Re-Run
Last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings all but handed their starting quarterback job to J.J. McCarthy. Daniel Jones wasn’t given the assurances he could start, and no legitimate backup was brought in either. After watching Sam Howell struggle in the preseason, someone spoke up and called Carson Wentz.
The chatter thus far this offseason has focused solely on Kyler Murray. That’s fair, as he will come in to start in for Kevin O’Connell and can be signed for just $1.3 million. Arguably as important is who backs him up.
A Familiar Veteran Could Solve the Vikings’ Backup QB Question
Murray doesn’t have the cleanest injury history, and McCarthy certainly doesn’t either. The reality, though, is that McCarthy shouldn’t be called upon mid-game at any point. It’s unclear if he’s ready to be relied upon at the highest level, but an unexpected situation makes matters even worse.
The Vikings need a backup capable of stepping on the field without a range that could span the entire field. Last season, Wentz went just 2-3 as the starter for the Vikings. However, he connected with Justin Jefferson for over 95 yards per game while under center, and he completed 65.1% of his passes.
It’s unfortunate how much Wentz’s career trajectory changed after his knee injury with the Philadelphia Eagles. Nick Foles came on and won the Super Bowl; he should have led them to. However, Wentz is a North Dakota kid who grew up cheering for the Vikings, and it’s only right that he be on the sidelines the first time they win one.
Murray brings a serious ceiling to a Minnesota team ready to compete now. If O’Connell can integrate him into the offense and immediately get things clicking, the upcoming season could be really fun. There has to be someone on the sidelines pushing that player, though, and it won’t be McCarthy.
Assuming Wentz is cleared from his season-ending surgery, he’d be best suited to reunite with the Vikings. This time, it would happen a few days before Week 1, and the chemistry is already there with the coach and the roster. QB3 for McCarthy might not be fun, but it needs to happen.
