What Should the Expectations be for Vikings QB Carson Wentz in Week 2?
· Yahoo Sports
The Minnesota Vikings will once again turn to Carson Wentz under center in Week 2, with Kyler Murray continuing to work his way through concussion protocol.
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It’s a difficult spot for Minnesota, especially with another NFC North matchup against the Chicago Bears on deck. The Vikings have an opportunity to start 2-0 overall and in division play, which would give them an early leg up in the NFC North, particularly with the Detroit Lions already opening the season 0-2.
Wentz was phenomenal after replacing Murray in Week 1 and proved that he should absolutely get the start over J.J. McCarthy against Chicago. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns, helping Minnesota erase a double-digit second-half deficit in a 39-22 win over the Green Bay Packers.
But it also feels like some of what Wentz accomplished against Green Bay is unsustainable.
Three touchdowns on just 133 passing yards is an unusual level of efficiency. Justin Jefferson is one of the best receivers in football and will always give his quarterback opportunities to create explosive plays, but expecting Wentz to consistently produce touchdowns at that rate would be unrealistic.
There could also be a significant difference between what Wentz faced last week and what he’ll see against Chicago. Green Bay prepared all week for Murray before suddenly having to adjust to Wentz early in the game. The Bears have now had an entire week to study Wentz, identify what Minnesota did successfully with him against Green Bay and build a defensive game plan specifically designed to make him uncomfortable.
That doesn’t mean Wentz can’t play well. He still has plenty of arm talent, enough mobility to extend plays and nearly a decade of NFL experience to lean on. Minnesota also has enough weapons around him that he doesn’t need to carry the offense by himself.
But expectations should probably be realigned heading into Week 2.
Wentz showed why he’s a valuable backup quarterback and why the Vikings can still win games with Murray sidelined. That doesn’t necessarily mean Minnesota should expect another superstar-level performance against a Bears team that will be much more prepared for exactly what Wentz brings to the offense.
Regardless, the QB who will lead the way for the majority of the season will be Murray, who will take back over as starter after returning from concussion protocol, no matter how well Wentz plays this week.