Carson Wentz faces redemption as Vikings’ surprise savior in thrilling backup QB showdown against Bengals
The Setup for a Backup QB Battle
As the Minnesota Vikings prepare to host the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium this Sunday, all eyes will be on the unexpected quarterback matchup. With J.J. McCarthy sidelined and Joe Burrow recovering from injuries, Jake Browning and Carson Wentz are set to take the reins. Both teams find themselves at critical junctures early in the season.
The Vikings, now at 1-1, are looking to solidify their standing with a string of upcoming games that could determine their playoff fate. The Bengals, meanwhile, are somehow holding onto a 2-0 record but are acutely aware that their success hinges on a swift return from Burrow. While CBS may not have envisioned this as their marquee matchup, it nevertheless promises to be an engaging contest.
Can Wentz Reclaim His Former Glory?
Carson Wentz enters this game with a golden opportunity for redemption. Having not made a meaningful start since the 2022 season, he is stepping onto the field for the franchise he idolized in his youth. Under the guidance of head coach Kevin O’Connell and with star receiver Justin Jefferson at his disposal, Wentz finds himself in a favorable setup—a far cry from his last stint as a starter.
Wentz’s statistics from 2022 were less than stellar, but context matters. He played for a Washington Commanders team that lacked the talent and coaching prowess of the current Vikings roster. His experience with the Colts in 2021 showcased his potential, and his earlier success with the Eagles remains a testament to his capabilities. Over the past few years, he has absorbed knowledge from elite quarterback-coach pairings like Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, as well as Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay.
O’Connell and the Vikings recently demonstrated their ability to maximize talent when they secured two wins with Josh Dobbs—who had been with the team for less than a week before stepping in. With Wentz’s proven track record and his month-long tenure with the team, there is reason to believe he can find immediate success. If he performs well, the Vikings will face an intriguing decision: return to McCarthy, who has struggled early this season, or give Wentz the chance to lead for an extended period, potentially igniting a season reminiscent of Case Keenum’s magical run in 2017 or Randall Cunningham’s resurgence in 1998.
Browning’s Challenge Against Flores’ Defense
On the other side of the field, Jake Browning seeks to prove himself as more than just a backup. Having been with the Bengals since 2021, Browning is familiar with the system and has demonstrated his competence as a starter. In 2023, he managed a 4-3 record, showcasing impressive accuracy with over 70% of his passes completed, alongside 12 touchdowns against 7 interceptions. Notably, one of his standout performances came in an overtime victory against the Vikings, where he threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns.
However, Browning’s propensity for turnovers presents a potential vulnerability. Last week, he threw three interceptions in just 32 attempts, contributing to a troubling trend that has seen him throw seven interceptions in seven games this season. His turnover-worthy play rate ranked among the highest in the league, indicating that while he can lead the team effectively, he must also navigate the challenges posed by aggressive defenses. The Vikings, under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, are likely to capitalize on Browning’s mistakes, making protection of the football a top priority for the young quarterback.
As the teams gear up for this pivotal matchup, the outcome will hinge on which backup quarterback can harness the moment and lead their team effectively. The stakes are high, and the narratives surrounding Wentz and Browning add layers of intrigue to what promises to be an exciting game.
