Preseason Game #2 ~ Ravens ~ Sat. 08/22

Observation #10 - Ravens at Vikings: Carson Wentz on his 1st drive looks like the pro he is. Drops quickly, play fakes well, hits the back foot & fires. JJ lovers will hate me, but I would roll with Wentz as the #2 to start the year-offense is smoother in rhythm-Still a punt pic.twitter.com/5aGu5nYlvv

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) August 22, 2026

🙇 @JJettas2 pic.twitter.com/IkyNaVZ6RV

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 22, 2026

.@jjmccarthy09 steps up and slings it to @taifelton.

📺: @Fox9 | @NFL + pic.twitter.com/MHUiiqmX7V

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 22, 2026

EllerVikes wrote:

The thing of it is is JJ McCarthy’s third year in the system longer than anybody on their roster playing quarterback

Not a good analogy in this situation, but not going to rehash this. You're right. No big deal.

J.J. McCarthy gets only a quarter in second preseason game: How’d he look?https://t.co/VRu4c6z9hW

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 22, 2026

The Vikings gave J.J. McCarthy just the first quarter in their second preseason game on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium. What we saw was more of the same from last week and most of training camp: A mix of highlights and some rough misses, with plenty of pressure and not a ton of help from his teammates.

also slung a few inaccurate passes to open receivers, including a potential touchdown to Myles Price on a fourth-and-goal from the 1 later in the same drive.

Carson Wentz then took over to start the second quarter. While one could argue that McCarthy could’ve used a full half or more of game reps, Kevin O’Connell decided one quarter was enough — perhaps to limit injury risk.

McCarthy’s first series was a mixed bag. His very first play saw him sail a ball a bit high and outside for Price on the right sideline. It was one you’d like to see completed. After a false start, McCarthy hit Felton for eight yards and then hung in the pocket and delivered a nice throw to Price in a tight window for eight yards on third and 7. A couple poor runs set up third and long, and McCarthy’s screen to Felton didn’t gain enough.

The second series was, well, also a mixed bag, this time with an even wider range of outcomes. McCarthy made a great play to avoid pressure, step up in the pocket, and launch downfield for Felton, who rose up against single coverage for a 50-yard completion. He then progressed to a checkdown for Demond Claiborne, who took the ball down to the 3 yard-line.

J.J. McCarthy goes DEEP to Tai Felton!

Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/cvO0UUGoCb

— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2026

Then it went south. On second and goal, McCarthy rifled a ball to Felton in the back of the end zone that may have been a bit high and hot — though it also may have been catchable. After a two-yard run, the Vikings went for it on fourth and goal from the one, and McCarthy had Price wide open for a touchdown. Again, his throw was high and hot, and Price couldn’t come down with it.

This is a play that has to be completed, even with a Ravens defender somewhat obstructing the passing lane. It’s an example of something that’s been a talking point with McCarthy since last year: Throwing with velocity in a situation that requires touch.

JJ McCarthy misses Myles Price WIDE OPEN in the end zone. pic.twitter.com/Ix8VJrEPTe

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 22, 2026

After another quick stop from the Vikings’ defense, McCarthy was sacked by Mike Green and had a nice 19-yard completion to Jeshaun Jones nullified by a Henry Byrd holding penalty. The Vikings played it safe with a draw handoff on third and very long.

McCarthy got one final series before the end of the quarter. Another short Claiborne run and a Felton false start set the Vikings up behind the sticks again, and they were unable to convert. McCarthy couldn’t connect with Jones over the middle on second down, then threw a good-looking ball to Price that was broken up late.

The final line for McCarthy: 5 for 10 for 81 yards with one sack. His passer rating was 77.5. The Vikings didn’t score any points on his four possessions. McCarthy didn’t get much help from his running game or offensive line and was hurt by some penalties, but he also missed some relatively routine throws.

It feels like a performance from McCarthy that might invite even more speculation regarding his hold on the Vikings’ backup job.

Did Big Citrus get a finger tip on that?

— Vikeologist™ (@Vikeologist) August 22, 2026

Dontae Fleming and Jeshuan Jones back to back fighting for their spots on the 53!

— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) August 22, 2026

Bartho can fly bro

— 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙚 (@verysadvikings) August 22, 2026

Gavin Bartholomew has had a GREAT camp after missing his entire rookie year last season. Keeping up the impacts today. pic.twitter.com/Bzf36uON09

— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) August 22, 2026

Competing arguments:

+ J.J. McCarthy needs reps, Carson Wentz doesn't

+ McCarthy took a beating, cut your losses, get rest of 2nd team out https://t.co/K3vxI880eh

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 22, 2026

Preseason demon Jeshaun Jones with an incredible catch for 35 yards against multiple Ravens defenders. pic.twitter.com/q9VFZr2AJD

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 22, 2026

Will Reichard ends the first half with a 52-yard field goal to knot this scintillating contest at 3-3.

Carson Wentz in the second quarter: 9 for 11, 92 yards, sacked twice.

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 22, 2026

Climbing up to go get it!!@JeshaunJones06 hauls in the @cj_wentz pass.

📺: @FOX9 | @NFL + pic.twitter.com/rHeKqY0Yvx

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 22, 2026

Will from 52!@WillReichard ties it up going into the half. pic.twitter.com/uAhF1XOesA

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 22, 2026

I've been a McCarthy backer to this point...no more.

Cricket wrote:

https://x.com/WillRagatz/status/2091226631520022722?s=20
The Vikings gave J.J. McCarthy just the first quarter in their second preseason game on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium. What we saw was more of the same from last week and most of training camp: A mix of highlights and some rough misses, with plenty of pressure and not a ton of help from his teammates.
also slung a few inaccurate passes to open receivers, including a potential touchdown to Myles Price on a fourth-and-goal from the 1 later in the same drive.
Carson Wentz then took over to start the second quarter. While one could argue that McCarthy could’ve used a full half or more of game reps, Kevin O’Connell decided one quarter was enough — perhaps to limit injury risk.
McCarthy’s first series was a mixed bag. His very first play saw him sail a ball a bit high and outside for Price on the right sideline. It was one you’d like to see completed. After a false start, McCarthy hit Felton for eight yards and then hung in the pocket and delivered a nice throw to Price in a tight window for eight yards on third and 7. A couple poor runs set up third and long, and McCarthy’s screen to Felton didn’t gain enough.
The second series was, well, also a mixed bag, this time with an even wider range of outcomes. McCarthy made a great play to avoid pressure, step up in the pocket, and launch downfield for Felton, who rose up against single coverage for a 50-yard completion. He then progressed to a checkdown for Demond Claiborne, who took the ball down to the 3 yard-line.
https://x.com/NFL/status/2091214737329783117?s=20
Then it went south. On second and goal, McCarthy rifled a ball to Felton in the back of the end zone that may have been a bit high and hot — though it also may have been catchable. After a two-yard run, the Vikings went for it on fourth and goal from the one, and McCarthy had Price wide open for a touchdown. Again, his throw was high and hot, and Price couldn’t come down with it.
This is a play that has to be completed, even with a Ravens defender somewhat obstructing the passing lane. It’s an example of something that’s been a talking point with McCarthy since last year: Throwing with velocity in a situation that requires touch.
https://x.com/vikingzfanpage/status/2091215566052749371?s=20
After another quick stop from the Vikings’ defense, McCarthy was sacked by Mike Green and had a nice 19-yard completion to Jeshaun Jones nullified by a Henry Byrd holding penalty. The Vikings played it safe with a draw handoff on third and very long.
McCarthy got one final series before the end of the quarter. Another short Claiborne run and a Felton false start set the Vikings up behind the sticks again, and they were unable to convert. McCarthy couldn’t connect with Jones over the middle on second down, then threw a good-looking ball to Price that was broken up late.
The final line for McCarthy: 5 for 10 for 81 yards with one sack. His passer rating was 77.5. The Vikings didn’t score any points on his four possessions. McCarthy didn’t get much help from his running game or offensive line and was hurt by some penalties, but he also missed some relatively routine throws.
It feels like a performance from McCarthy that might invite even more speculation regarding his hold on the Vikings’ backup job.

Absolutely brutal throw by JJ here. Vomit inducing.

Wentz looking like the #2 QB...we'll probably get a lot of Brosmer in the second half. JJM collecting splinters on the bench now.

Will Reichard hits from 52 with UDFA Brett Thorson holding. Not insignificant.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) August 22, 2026

Observation #11 - Ravens at Vikings: Wentz moved the ball again but protection broke down on 3rd down for a sack. Carson ends the game 9 of 11 for 91 yards & a 101 rating. He too tossed up a smart 50/50 ball for 36, but he followed it with many more plays vs misfires (JJ) pic.twitter.com/hqfxaB1C0E

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) August 22, 2026

Observation #12 - Ravens at Vikings: Will Reichard ends the half by drilling a 52 yard FG right down the middle as time expired to tie the game at 3. Will looks tremendous as always. Now we just need to make sure he stays away from Blair Walsh career progression videos! pic.twitter.com/1Zckm85YLP

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) August 22, 2026