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

[Vikergirl]

Wentz played smart, that was the key. He didn't have to be flashy. He took what was given and got the job done. Can he do better or more? Absolutely. All things considered, I'll take it

[StickierBuns]

Wentz played smart, that was the key. He didn't have to be flashy. He took what was given and got the job done. Can he do better or more? Absolutely. All things considered, I'll take it

He didn't mess up, so I'll take that for sure. But again, any drive Cincy started, and they did have some drives going, ended with a turnover in that first half. It was 31-3 in the blink of an eye. It'll be fun to watch Wentz the next 2 weeks in Europe, we'll get a better understanding then.

[purplefaithful]

On Monday, O’Connell pointed out the instructive value Wentz’s game had for McCarthy.

Experience is ”what allows players to play with poise and conviction,” O’Connell said. “And when you couple that with firm and repeatable fundamentals, normally within the lower half of the quarterback’s mechanics, then you have a system, then you have rhythm. It’s very difficult for a defense to take away all five eligible [receivers]. Because we were able to have some body blows by running the ball, I thought our protection was solid for the most part. We got loose there on a couple internal [stunts] here and there, but many of the times, we stayed efficient with the chains. So it’s, it’s a combination of the individual player and all 11 individual players doing their job.”

“Sometimes,” he added, “it’s the reactionary ability to still consistently play with the rhythm and the poise and the decision making, and all that becomes much easier when you’re taking the right footwork and you’re balanced throughout the drop and reading with your feet. That can be an incredible weapon for a quarterback, whether they’ve played 20 years or they’ve played two games. And I think there’s value in J.J. seeing that.”

O’Connell said Monday that he had already been texting with McCarthy about things the quarterback could learn from watching Wentz, adding McCarthy spent the game talking with Wentz and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown.

“Josh was pretty jacked up about that — and then J.J. just saying how, by Carson playing in rhythm and progressing quickly on some things, just how much of a point guard feel it had at times,“ O’Connell said. ”All of that is real positive.”

Vikings quarterbacks hear O’Connell talk frequently about “base, balance and body position,” and his analysis of Wentz’s game certainly included some pointers for McCarthy. The young quarterback’s delivery time is also likely tied to how quickly he reads coverages, and it’s there where Wentz’s experience likely helps him play a little faster.

It helped the Vikings get back above .500 on Sunday, and it might have provided a teaching tool for McCarthy in the process. Even if Wentz’s time as the starter is short, his impact on the Vikings’ 2025 season could last longer than his stint in the lineup.

STRIB

[Vikergirl]

He didn't mess up, so I'll take that for sure. But again, any drive Cincy started, and they did have some drives going, ended with a turnover in that first half. It was 31-3 in the blink of an eye. It'll be fun to watch Wentz the next 2 weeks in Europe, we'll get a better understanding then.

Oh no doubt. The thing that gets me is sometimes he waits too long. Is his guy not open or did he not see him? Avoiding a sack or throwing the ball away is important.  Again he needs more time with the OL so that will help. He is definitely limited as far as mobility goes but playing smart is the main thing

[JimmyinSD]

KOC may be happy with Wentz, but he didnt waste anytime setting a return date for JJM. which is a good thing for the kids mental state, however it may be kind of tough to go back to the kid if Wentz does play well across the pond and we are sitting with the meat of our schedule coming up when we come back from the bye.

[StickierBuns]

KOC may be happy with Wentz, but he didnt waste anytime setting a return date for JJM.  which is a good thing for the kids mental state,  however it may be kind of tough to go back to the kid if Wentz does play well across the pond and we are sitting with the meat of our schedule coming up when we come back from the bye.

I would agree. Maybe a good kind of drama to have in the short term? JJM is still obviously their guy, but riding a truly hot hand would certainly at least need a discussion internally.

[purplefaithful]

After 50 years of watching football, I would say:

They wont take Wentz out while he's hot, but eventually that will run its course and JJM will be back at center.

I suspect Wentz we'll be the point guard type just like last week. And that wont be enough to make KOC swoon for a change at the position,

[JimmyinSD]

I would agree. Maybe a good kind of drama to have in the short term? JJM is still obviously their guy, but riding a truly hot hand would certainly at least need a discussion internally.

with all this said,  I do not expect to catch lightning in a bottle for a third time in a decade having a journeyman vet that has bounced around come in and look like an all star.  I think Wentz is still a little to unsure of the O and a little to heavy footed to really make this O work.  he seemed to turtle a bit on Sunday when they turned the heat up around him.

[kmillard]

These things always seem to have a way of working out on their own.