KOC stoked over Wentz's play, looking forward to next Sunday

[StickierBuns]

Kevin O'Connell praises Vikings' Carson Wentz

After the win, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell spoke to the media and noted that he wasn't surprised that Wentz could play mistake-free football to lead Minnesota to a much-needed win.

"When you go back, and you really go back over the timeline when he's been given really good opportunity, normally he's played really good football," O'Connell said. "And I've always been a fan of his. He's big, he's strong, he's smart, he commands.

"And I told him when we took him out of the game, I was the least surprised person in the whole building today that he was able to go out there and effectively run our offense. And I think there's a reason why he came here. He had a lot of opportunities potentially.

"So you fire away and let's rock. And that was probably as exciting as anything throughout the week, because then at that point, I knew the trust was there. We clearly trusted him to. To go play football, and he did so many good things today. And I think he'd be the first one to tell you that there's even more comfort now that he's kind of gone through a full week, played a game, and now he'll get another opportunity here."

[MaroonBells]

So why, then, did we waste all that time with Sam Howell? Interesting that he says Wentz had "a lot of opportunities, potentially." Sure, he would now with all the injuries to QBs. Maybe that's what KOC meant. But why was he sitting on his hands all summer?

[StickierBuns]

So why, then, did we wasted all that time with Sam Howell? Interesting that he says Wentz had "a lot of opportunities, potentially." Sure, he would now with all the injuries to QBs. Maybe that's what KOC meant. But why was he sitting on his hands all summer?

Yeah, that has me scratching my head as well. But KOC sure seems genuinely excited about Carson's play and the potential next week and after until JJ's return. I didn't realize Wentz is such a big, long limbed QB....I mean he's just a big dude. Big arm. KOC is going to be able to do a lot with him, but using his legs is not one of them. That's ok for now. He's not a complete statue in the pocket, so that's a plus. He can slide and move a bit. Carson was having fun yesterday, lots of smiling.

[comet52]

I didn't see anything stoke-worthy.  He did ok on the scripted opener then he looked like panic in the pocket Wentz for a while.  Then the D and the run game took over and he settled down and managed the game which I think is his ceiling.

[MAD GAINZ]

It has to be pretty cool playing for your childhood team. Wentz and Adam Thielen have gotten to live that dream. That win yesterday probably felt extra good.

[StickierBuns]

I didn't see anything stoke-worthy.  He did ok on the scripted opener then he looked like panic in the pocket Wentz for a while.  Then the D and the run game took over and he settled down and managed the game which I think is his ceiling.

I tend to agree, but Wentz was a steadying influence at the least in a game that might be hard to gather long-term information from. Next week will be a better judgement on Wentz IMO. I think KOC's enthusiasm comes from the limited time Wentz was in Minnesota and how he's grasped the offense early.

[mblack]

I didn't see anything stoke-worthy.  He did ok on the scripted opener then he looked like panic in the pocket Wentz for a while.  Then the D and the run game took over and he settled down and managed the game which I think is his ceiling.

I think you are underestimating how much was riding on that first drive. KOC even mentioned how important that drive was

[purplefaithful]

Point guard is the perfect descriptor imo...It was a steadying influence and a much needed change from the entire offense vs the previous 7 quarters of football. 

The schedule is daunting, but with Addison and Darrisaw back, things "should be" that much smoother. Maybe we'll be able to see all 5 OL playing together this year at some time?

As far as Howell goes? Dont try and figure it out...Just toss it in the WTF KAM/KOC pile.

[Montana Tom]

Not stoke worthy?
What I saw was a game manager/point guard who quickly adapted.
Been in purple for a whopping 3 weeks.
I saw him take sacks (and a jump across the line of scrimmage to avoid a sack) rather than take a chance on a pick.
I saw him make decisions that basically said "live to play another down, or another series" rather than push it.
I saw him gain confidence as the game went on...in the second quarter, and in the third quarter til he was relieved by Brosmer.

Given the situation, no he is not the second coming of Tom Brady, but he/we kept turnovers to zero from our side while BFlo's guys flipped the script.
That's enough to give me optimism, hope and yeahhh. Stoked.

[greediron]

I think you are underestimating how much was riding on that first drive. KOC even mentioned how important that drive was

Well starting with 2 runs shows that KOC may have actually understood.  Having CD back was huge for the running game.  He and Jackson dominated the line.