McCarthy hurt...Wentz to start Sunday

[FNG]

Darrisaw was a full participant in practice yesterday, so that will help our OL a lot if he can play. Even better if our center gets back from concussion protocol. I think Wentz won't see the kind of pressure JJ saw, but if he does, I think he'll handle it better. I like our chances this week.

I'm surprised about the lack of information about Harrison Smith's "illness". He's been inactive for a long time and I've heard nothing about what he is battling.

[60WinTim]

After watching a lot of post-game analysis of the loss, I am not as down on JJ's performance as I was initially. I am looking forward to JJ's return. Hopefully, Wentz can right the ship and we'll see JJ sometime after the bye week.

[FNG]

After watching a lot of post-game analysis of the loss, I am not as down on JJ's performance as I was initially. I am looking forward to JJ's return. Hopefully, Wentz can right the ship and we'll see JJ sometime after the bye week.

Boy I hope you turn out to be right about JJ, Tim. I know I have been a skeptic since draft night, and his horrible 7 quarters and one good one have only made me more skeptical. Meanwhile we're lucky to have a guy ready to go who was the first Eagle QB to ever throw for more than 4000 yards. Wentz was more highly regarded coming out of college, and just seems like a much better option right now to take this team to the playoffs.

There are still a lot of things I like about JJ...he's athletic, has a big arm, and seems like a great leader. So I'm far from giving up on him...I think he can be a serviceable NFL QB in the future. But he clearly doesn't look ready to lead a team with playoff aspirations. He would have been better off playing for a team like the Bears where he could get his feet wet without torpedoing a season. I think we would easily be 2-0 right now if we had started the season with Wentz. Darnold would have been a better option at QB also, but I understand that we could not have beefed up our lines if we had paid him...it was the right move to let him walk. Wentz hasn't had much chance to play the past three years so I admit he's somewhat of a mystery, but I think he is going to be just fine. And a "just fine" QB is all we need I think...that is, if we get our key players back.

[Wolvesfan21]

After watching a lot of post-game analysis of the loss, I am not as down on JJ's performance as I was initially. I am looking forward to JJ's return. Hopefully, Wentz can right the ship and we'll see JJ sometime after the bye week.

Boy I hope you turn out to be right about JJ, Tim. I know I have been a skeptic since draft night, and his horrible 7 quarters and one good one have only made me more skeptical. Meanwhile we're lucky to have a guy ready to go who was the first Eagle QB to ever throw for more than 4000 yards. Wentz was more highly regarded coming out of college, and just seems like a much better option right now to take this team to the playoffs.

There are still a lot of things I like about JJ...he's athletic, has a big arm, and seems like a great leader. So I'm far from giving up on him...I think he can be a serviceable NFL QB in the future. But he clearly doesn't look ready to lead a team with playoff aspirations. He would have been better off playing for a team like the Bears where he could get his feet wet without torpedoing a season. I think we would easily be 2-0 right now if we had started the season with Wentz. Darnold would have been a better option at QB also, but I understand that we could not have beefed up our lines if we had paid him...it was the right move to let him walk. Wentz hasn't had much chance to play the past three years so I admit he's somewhat of a mystery, but I think he is going to be just fine. And a "just fine" QB is all we need I think...that is, if we get our key players back.

I keep hearing the 7 horrible quarters, but really that is the team playing horrible for much of that span, not JJ specifically. When given time and opportunity to hit passes he's done well which is why the analytics had him 12th QB in the NFL for game one.

But I am with Monster that until our OLine plays better no QB will be good enough. Maybe a Lamar Jackson who can scramble super well? I'm concerned if we don't have CD or Kelly again.

[Wolvesfan21]

I'm also putting a large chunk of the bad offense on KOC himself. Two backup Olineman and we're still calling these long developing plays? JJ is 2nd in the NFL in depth of passes over the first two weeks and thats with a line in shambles. Makes no sense when you can't protect him to try and throw 30 yards down field every other play.

[Monster]

After watching a lot of post-game analysis of the loss, I am not as down on JJ's performance as I was initially. I am looking forward to JJ's return. Hopefully, Wentz can right the ship and we'll see JJ sometime after the bye week.

Boy I hope you turn out to be right about JJ, Tim. I know I have been a skeptic since draft night, and his horrible 7 quarters and one good one have only made me more skeptical. Meanwhile we're lucky to have a guy ready to go who was the first Eagle QB to ever throw for more than 4000 yards. Wentz was more highly regarded coming out of college, and just seems like a much better option right now to take this team to the playoffs.

There are still a lot of things I like about JJ...he's athletic, has a big arm, and seems like a great leader. So I'm far from giving up on him...I think he can be a serviceable NFL QB in the future. But he clearly doesn't look ready to lead a team with playoff aspirations. He would have been better off playing for a team like the Bears where he could get his feet wet without torpedoing a season. I think we would easily be 2-0 right now if we had started the season with Wentz. Darnold would have been a better option at QB also, but I understand that we could not have beefed up our lines if we had paid him...it was the right move to let him walk. Wentz hasn't had much chance to play the past three years so I admit he's somewhat of a mystery, but I think he is going to be just fine. And a "just fine" QB is all we need I think...that is, if we get our key players back.

I keep hearing the 7 horrible quarters, but really that is the team playing horrible for much of that span, not JJ specifically. When given time and opportunity to hit passes he's done well which is why the analytics had him 12th QB in the NFL for game one.

But I am with Monster that until our OLine plays better no QB will be good enough. Maybe a Lamar Jackson who can scramble super well? I'm concerned if we don't have CD or Kelly again.

The Bears have been trying to win also since they drafted Williams #1. Remember they have had a ton of draft capital because of all the traded they made so in theory talent shouldn't be the problem. Last year coaching was. Is that the issue this season? We will see. Also QBs developing on a bad team isn't great. The issue is that the Vikings were supposedly all set up to make it easy for a young QB. Lots of skill players around him they even went out and got Thielen to help while Addison was out. The problem is that Skule was far from up to the job and the starters played very little in preseason so they weren't all ready to go likely espcially with a rookie QB. In addition it may be working keeping in mind they lost a vet do it all in Mundt and replaced him with a rookie FA and a vet on the PS. Ham is also injured. The running game hasn't exactly took off McCarthy has 50 yards rushing so if he stayed healthy he would be on track for a pretty healthy amount of yards and like 8 touchdowns!

Anyway the point is it hasn't gone as planned. That's not a huge surprise considering the situation. They need to get people healthy and back from suspension and they can get on track with McCarthy or whoever is at QB. I believe in this coaching staff and the talent if healthy. The defense looks good enough to kinda carry the team to some wins if the offense can be even just middle of the road. Idk what reasonable expectations are at this point. Obviously this team was planning to at least be a playoff team or they wouldn't have invested in vet guys like they did in the offseason and traded for Thielen.

[FNG]

After watching a lot of post-game analysis of the loss, I am not as down on JJ's performance as I was initially. I am looking forward to JJ's return. Hopefully, Wentz can right the ship and we'll see JJ sometime after the bye week.

Boy I hope you turn out to be right about JJ, Tim. I know I have been a skeptic since draft night, and his horrible 7 quarters and one good one have only made me more skeptical. Meanwhile we're lucky to have a guy ready to go who was the first Eagle QB to ever throw for more than 4000 yards. Wentz was more highly regarded coming out of college, and just seems like a much better option right now to take this team to the playoffs.

There are still a lot of things I like about JJ...he's athletic, has a big arm, and seems like a great leader. So I'm far from giving up on him...I think he can be a serviceable NFL QB in the future. But he clearly doesn't look ready to lead a team with playoff aspirations. He would have been better off playing for a team like the Bears where he could get his feet wet without torpedoing a season. I think we would easily be 2-0 right now if we had started the season with Wentz. Darnold would have been a better option at QB also, but I understand that we could not have beefed up our lines if we had paid him...it was the right move to let him walk. Wentz hasn't had much chance to play the past three years so I admit he's somewhat of a mystery, but I think he is going to be just fine. And a "just fine" QB is all we need I think...that is, if we get our key players back.

I keep hearing the 7 horrible quarters, but really that is the team playing horrible for much of that span, not JJ specifically. When given time and opportunity to hit passes he's done well which is why the analytics had him 12th QB in the NFL for game one.

But I am with Monster that until our OLine plays better no QB will be good enough. Maybe a Lamar Jackson who can scramble super well? I'm concerned if we don't have CD or Kelly again.

Yeah, overall the team hasn't played very well, and the OLine injuries have a lot to do with it. But I disagree that JJ has done well when he has been given time. Two particular passes come to mind. His TD pass in game 1 to Jones was timely, but the pass was not very good...Jones was 10 yards beyond the defender, and had to slow down so much on the underthrown ball that the play was nearly broken up. And then in game 2 he had Nailor 10 yards beyond the defender, and he overthrew him by 10 yards when we really needed a score...the cameras quickly shifted to KOC, and he couldn't hide the look on his face. Both times he was given all the time in the world, but he just didn't make the play. I cautioned everyone here about irrational JJ exuberance after his excellent 4th quarter against a poor Bears defense, and Game 2 went about how I expected it would. Actually even worse...I haven't seen anyone weigh in with a grade, but I gave him a D-, and that might be generous. I feel bad for the kid hurting his ankle after missing his rookie season with a knee injury, but I think Vikings fans might have to admit in a couple weeks that the injury was a blessing for the team. Wentz will likely not be pressured as much with CD back, and if he is, I think his vet experience will allow him to handle it better.

Or Wentz could stink up the place while JJ is out, and we can start focusing on the Wolves again. Let's hope not...it's way too early in the season to throw in the towel.

[Wolvesfan21]

Boy I hope you turn out to be right about JJ, Tim. I know I have been a skeptic since draft night, and his horrible 7 quarters and one good one have only made me more skeptical. Meanwhile we're lucky to have a guy ready to go who was the first Eagle QB to ever throw for more than 4000 yards. Wentz was more highly regarded coming out of college, and just seems like a much better option right now to take this team to the playoffs.

There are still a lot of things I like about JJ...he's athletic, has a big arm, and seems like a great leader. So I'm far from giving up on him...I think he can be a serviceable NFL QB in the future. But he clearly doesn't look ready to lead a team with playoff aspirations. He would have been better off playing for a team like the Bears where he could get his feet wet without torpedoing a season. I think we would easily be 2-0 right now if we had started the season with Wentz. Darnold would have been a better option at QB also, but I understand that we could not have beefed up our lines if we had paid him...it was the right move to let him walk. Wentz hasn't had much chance to play the past three years so I admit he's somewhat of a mystery, but I think he is going to be just fine. And a "just fine" QB is all we need I think...that is, if we get our key players back.

I keep hearing the 7 horrible quarters, but really that is the team playing horrible for much of that span, not JJ specifically. When given time and opportunity to hit passes he's done well which is why the analytics had him 12th QB in the NFL for game one.

But I am with Monster that until our OLine plays better no QB will be good enough. Maybe a Lamar Jackson who can scramble super well? I'm concerned if we don't have CD or Kelly again.

Yeah, overall the team hasn't played very well, and the OLine injuries have a lot to do with it. But I disagree that JJ has done well when he has been given time. Two particular passes come to mind. His TD pass in game 1 to Jones was timely, but the pass was not very good...Jones was 10 yards beyond the defender, and had to slow down so much on the underthrown ball that the play was nearly broken up. And then in game 2 he had Nailor 10 yards beyond the defender, and he overthrew him by 10 yards when we really needed a score...the cameras quickly shifted to KOC, and he couldn't hide the look on his face. Both times he was given all the time in the world, but he just didn't make the play. I cautioned everyone here about irrational JJ exuberance after his excellent 4th quarter against a poor Bears defense, and Game 2 went about how I expected it would. Actually even worse...I haven't seen anyone weigh in with a grade, but I gave him a D-, and that might be generous. I feel bad for the kid hurting his ankle after missing his rookie season with a knee injury, but I think Vikings fans might have to admit in a couple weeks that the injury was a blessing for the team. Wentz will likely not be pressured as much with CD back, and if he is, I think his vet experience will allow him to handle it better.

Or Wentz could stink up the place while JJ is out, and we can start focusing on the Wolves again. Let's hope not...it's way too early in the season to throw in the towel.

Yes the overthrow was bad last game, but the slight underthrow to Jones was fine. If you expect perfect passes constantly you'll never be happy with any QB. It was a TD after all. A fine throw, perfect, no. And I'd rather see a slight underthrow and let the player make a play to be honest.

Overall I'd gave him a C grade based on his lack of experience and offensive problems we've had (mostly Oline). If this was year 3 or 4? Yeah sure I'd say be much more harsh. But he's been fine for an essential rookie.

The thing I was wondering is how close to 100% is he. He lost a ton of weight and obvious strength after his surgeries and he obviously has had to build back up. This ankle injury doesn't help either. I'm just thinking about his escapability and strength. That's actually where I'm a little disappointed out of everything. Not seeing that free rusher and then fumbling for instance (should probably sense that guy and just at least not fumble) or trying to break free from when the pocket collapses. He's been getting taken down fairly easily!

I was hoping to see a little more speed and strength in his scrambling, but again, I guess it's explainable. Give him another year to fully strengthen back up if not further from pre injury, I'm sure he'll get a bit quicker and stronger and he's just 22, so. Patience I guess.

[Monster]

I keep hearing the 7 horrible quarters, but really that is the team playing horrible for much of that span, not JJ specifically. When given time and opportunity to hit passes he's done well which is why the analytics had him 12th QB in the NFL for game one.

But I am with Monster that until our OLine plays better no QB will be good enough. Maybe a Lamar Jackson who can scramble super well? I'm concerned if we don't have CD or Kelly again.

Yeah, overall the team hasn't played very well, and the OLine injuries have a lot to do with it. But I disagree that JJ has done well when he has been given time. Two particular passes come to mind. His TD pass in game 1 to Jones was timely, but the pass was not very good...Jones was 10 yards beyond the defender, and had to slow down so much on the underthrown ball that the play was nearly broken up. And then in game 2 he had Nailor 10 yards beyond the defender, and he overthrew him by 10 yards when we really needed a score...the cameras quickly shifted to KOC, and he couldn't hide the look on his face. Both times he was given all the time in the world, but he just didn't make the play. I cautioned everyone here about irrational JJ exuberance after his excellent 4th quarter against a poor Bears defense, and Game 2 went about how I expected it would. Actually even worse...I haven't seen anyone weigh in with a grade, but I gave him a D-, and that might be generous. I feel bad for the kid hurting his ankle after missing his rookie season with a knee injury, but I think Vikings fans might have to admit in a couple weeks that the injury was a blessing for the team. Wentz will likely not be pressured as much with CD back, and if he is, I think his vet experience will allow him to handle it better.

Or Wentz could stink up the place while JJ is out, and we can start focusing on the Wolves again. Let's hope not...it's way too early in the season to throw in the towel.

Yes the overthrow was bad last game, but the slight underthrow to Jones was fine. If you expect perfect passes constantly you'll never be happy with any QB. It was a TD after all. A fine throw, perfect, no. And I'd rather see a slight underthrow and let the player make a play to be honest.

Overall I'd gave him a C grade based on his lack of experience and offensive problems we've had (mostly Oline). If this was year 3 or 4? Yeah sure I'd say be much more harsh. But he's been fine for an essential rookie.

The thing I was wondering is how close to 100% is he. He lost a ton of weight and obvious strength after his surgeries and he obviously has had to build back up. This ankle injury doesn't help either. I'm just thinking about his escapability and strength. That's actually where I'm a little disappointed out of everything. Not seeing that free rusher and then fumbling for instance (should probably sense that guy and just at least not fumble) or trying to break free from when the pocket collapses. He's been getting taken down fairly easily!

I was hoping to see a little more speed and strength in his scrambling, but again, I guess it's explainable. Give him another year to fully strengthen back up if not further from pre injury, I'm sure he'll get a bit quicker and stronger and he's just 22, so. Patience I guess.

If we are gonna focus on a couple plays then we should cut Hockenson who has had at least 2 dropped balls that would have certainly helped the team and possibly McCarthy.

As for McCarthy scrambling etc I think that's more about his lack of experience than anything physically. In game one there was a play he stepped up and scrambled and ran directly into a sack when the olineman was doing their job protecting him and and after the play they looked confused about what had happened.

At this time it's time for more data points.

[FNG]

Yeah, overall the team hasn't played very well, and the OLine injuries have a lot to do with it. But I disagree that JJ has done well when he has been given time. Two particular passes come to mind. His TD pass in game 1 to Jones was timely, but the pass was not very good...Jones was 10 yards beyond the defender, and had to slow down so much on the underthrown ball that the play was nearly broken up. And then in game 2 he had Nailor 10 yards beyond the defender, and he overthrew him by 10 yards when we really needed a score...the cameras quickly shifted to KOC, and he couldn't hide the look on his face. Both times he was given all the time in the world, but he just didn't make the play. I cautioned everyone here about irrational JJ exuberance after his excellent 4th quarter against a poor Bears defense, and Game 2 went about how I expected it would. Actually even worse...I haven't seen anyone weigh in with a grade, but I gave him a D-, and that might be generous. I feel bad for the kid hurting his ankle after missing his rookie season with a knee injury, but I think Vikings fans might have to admit in a couple weeks that the injury was a blessing for the team. Wentz will likely not be pressured as much with CD back, and if he is, I think his vet experience will allow him to handle it better.

Or Wentz could stink up the place while JJ is out, and we can start focusing on the Wolves again. Let's hope not...it's way too early in the season to throw in the towel.

Yes the overthrow was bad last game, but the slight underthrow to Jones was fine. If you expect perfect passes constantly you'll never be happy with any QB. It was a TD after all. A fine throw, perfect, no. And I'd rather see a slight underthrow and let the player make a play to be honest.

Overall I'd gave him a C grade based on his lack of experience and offensive problems we've had (mostly Oline). If this was year 3 or 4? Yeah sure I'd say be much more harsh. But he's been fine for an essential rookie.

The thing I was wondering is how close to 100% is he. He lost a ton of weight and obvious strength after his surgeries and he obviously has had to build back up. This ankle injury doesn't help either. I'm just thinking about his escapability and strength. That's actually where I'm a little disappointed out of everything. Not seeing that free rusher and then fumbling for instance (should probably sense that guy and just at least not fumble) or trying to break free from when the pocket collapses. He's been getting taken down fairly easily!

I was hoping to see a little more speed and strength in his scrambling, but again, I guess it's explainable. Give him another year to fully strengthen back up if not further from pre injury, I'm sure he'll get a bit quicker and stronger and he's just 22, so. Patience I guess.

If we are gonna focus on a couple plays then we should cut Hockenson who has had at least 2 dropped balls that would have certainly helped the team and possibly McCarthy.

As for McCarthy scrambling etc I think that's more about his lack of experience than anything physically. In game one there was a play he stepped up and scrambled and ran directly into a sack when the olineman was doing their job protecting him and and after the play they looked confused about what had happened.

At this time it's time for more data points.

I agree with all three of your points, Monster. The only reason I mentioned those two particular throws was in response to WFs statement that JJ makes the throws if he is given time. Those two stood out to me, but there were others. Anyway, we do need more data points, and we're probably not going to get them for a couple more weeks...or maybe even longer if Wentz is adequate and we go on a winning streak. Sunday night was a bad loss and it would be easy to be down on our club right now, but I think we have a good chance of winning the next three games if Wentz is only adequate. And we need to go 3-0, because the next four games after that look very tough.