Minnesota Sports Forum

There's no ignoring it now, and KOC has a tough decision to make if both are healthy in two weeks.

I think if the Vikings had won both games in Europe and Wentz was at least okay, there would have been no question that he was going to start against Philly...you don't bench a QB on a 3-game win streak. Conversely, if the Vikings had lost both games, JJ would have gotten the start against Philly. KOC would have seen a lost season after going 2-3 through the easy part of the schedule, and it would have been time to see what the kid could do.

But splitting the two games makes it a tougher call. And if both QBs are healthy, KOC's choice will tell us a lot about how he views his team's chances this year.

I think he's going to stay with Wentz for a few reasons. First and foremost, Wentz has been better than JJ this season and looks far more ready to take a team to the playoffs. Scoring 21 points against a good Browns' defense with a patchwork OLine in front of him was impressive. But secondly, I suspect KOC is feeling more sanguine about this team's chances...losses by Philly and the Chargers today make the next 4 games look not quite as daunting as it did a couple days ago. If our OLine is healthy in two weeks, i wouldn't be surprised to see us favored against the Eagles.

It will be interesting to see what happens here.

It will be interesting!

But if both are healthy, I don't think KOC will let any doubt linger in who he sees as his guy -- JJ.

60WinTim wrote: ↑Sun Oct 05, 2025 10:04 pm It will be interesting!

But if both are healthy, I don't think KOC will let any doubt linger in who he sees as his guy -- JJ.

It could be, Tim, but I see this as quite similar to last year's Conley/Rob situation. Rob was drafted early as the PG of the future and Mike is past his prime. but Finchy saw right away that Mike gave them a better chance of winning now. JJ is the shiny new toy and hopefully will be our QB for a long time. But KOC is a smart coach, and he has to be able to see a big difference in readiness for his two QBS right now. It may be JJ against Philly, but I think that will signal that KOC is throwing in the towel on this season and focusing on developing the new guy more than winning.

Wentz probably gives the team a very slightly better chance to win right now, but what is the end result? Winning the Superbowl with Wentz? Seems like a pipe dream! Does KOC think we have a chance to do that? He probably has to. But realistically...

I'd play JJ. But if he wants to let Wentz take a beating against Philly then so be it.

Wentz had more time against the Browns than any QB so far this season. Turns out it was those bum olineman playing before that was the problem. I think Wentz has done his job reasonably well in not completely terrible but less than idea circumstances. I think it's clear they think McCarthy is nearly healthy they dumped their 3rd QB for that last game because apparently Cam Akers was better. Lol

Honestly I'm not worried about this much at all. KOC has earned some trust here. I also think they still believe in McCarthy and if I was them I would want to find out something sooner rather than later. Maybe not the next game of he isn't fully healthy but my guess is he will be and then he will get his shot again.

It sounds like JJ is more likely to start because of Wentz's shoulder. This is a big game, and I would start Wentz if both were healthy. But if JJ is more ready to go than Carson, I agree...go with him.

FNG wrote: ↑Fri Oct 10, 2025 6:01 pm It sounds like JJ is more likely to start because of Wentz's shoulder. This is a big game, and I would start Wentz if both were healthy. But if JJ is more ready to go than Carson, I agree...go with him.

So, you are saying the Max Brossmer era is on the verge?

I can't believe how bad Philly looked against the Giants. Not sure what is going on there, but I hope it continues!

60WinTim wrote: ↑Sat Oct 11, 2025 8:42 am

FNG wrote: ↑Fri Oct 10, 2025 6:01 pm It sounds like JJ is more likely to start because of Wentz's shoulder. This is a big game, and I would start Wentz if both were healthy. But if JJ is more ready to go than Carson, I agree...go with him.

So, you are saying the Max Brossmer era is on the verge?

I can't believe how bad Philly looked against the Giants. Not sure what is going on there, but I hope it continues!

Yeah, our schedule all of a sudden doesn't look as daunting with Philly struggling and the Chargers missing so many offensive linemen. That might swing the pendulum back toward Wentz if he is healthy, because KOC might be thinking more positively about post season.