The Minnesota Vikings rebounded from a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Falcons last week, steamrolling the Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati Bengals 48-10.
Quarterback Carson Wentz performed admirably in place of injured starter J.J. McCarthy, completing 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns. While the Vikings didn't ask Wentz to do much, he managed the game well and led Minnesota to victory.
With the former Michigan standout still on the mend from an ankle sprain, Wentz will have another playing opportunity in Dublin, Ireland, next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If he can guide the Vikings to another win, will there be a quarterback controversy in Minnesota?
Analyst Urges Vikings to Ride With Carson Wentz Over J.J. McCarthy
CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr thinks so, and he believes if Wentz can have sustained success with the Vikings, they can't go back to McCarthy, even when he's healthy.
"This is Wentz's first game with multiple passing touchdowns and zero interceptions since Christmas Day in 2021, and this happened for a quarterback who wasn't on the roster a month ago. On passes of 10-plus air yards, Wentz was 5 of 10 for 99 yards and an 85.0 passer rating, as the Vikings eased him into the offense," wrote Kerr.
"Wentz will get another shot to start next Sunday...but he's better than McCarthy right now and allows the Vikings to win games. The Vikings should ride Wentz as long as they can at this point, even though they'll likely go back to McCarthy once he's healthy."
To Kerr's point, outside of the fourth quarter of Week 1's miraculous comeback over the Chicago Bears, McCarthy has not looked good in his first year as the Vikings' starting quarterback.
The former Michigan star has as many touchdown passes (two) as Wentz through two games to go along with four turnovers. As the NFL's youngest starting quarterback, it wouldn't be outrageous for McCarthy to sit just a little bit longer and watch as a veteran prepares and performs weekly.
Regardless, Wentz is not the future in Minnesota. McCarthy will have his chance again, but for a Vikings team that wants to win now, the backup might be the more viable option.