The Minnesota Vikings have scraped their way to a 3-3 record despite a slew of meaningful injuries on both sides of the football, but the time for a truly drastic measure may have finally arrived.
Carson Wentz tossed two interceptions against the Philadelphia Eagles in a six-point home loss on Sunday, and he continues to battle an injury to his left shoulder that he sustained against the Cleveland Browns in London back in Week 5. Beyond that, second-year QB and Week 1 starter J.J. McCarthy is still struggling with a high-ankle sprain he suffered in Week 2.
Judd Zulgad of SKOR North suggested via his Substack on Sunday that the team should opt for undrafted rookie Max Brosmer against the Los Angeles Chargers on a short week.
“If McCarthy isn't ready to play Thursday — and given how Wentz performed Sunday — is suggesting Brosmer to start really that big of a stretch?” Zulgad wrote. “After watching Wentz against the Eagles, I'm not sure it is.”
Both Wentz and McCarthy have less time than they normally would to get healthy and prepare for what has been a solid Chargers defense to this point in the year, despite the Indianapolis Colts blowing them up for 38 points on Sunday. Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is among those coaches expected to get real consideration in next year’s head-coaching cycle, and his propensity for confusing young QBs is well known across the NFL.
That said, the New York Giants ran out rookie Jaxson Dart against Minter and the Chargers in Week 4, and Dart earned a victory in the first start of his professional career. It was still more the Giants defense that deserved credit for that three-point win (21-18), as Dart completed 13 of 20 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown, while Los Angeles sacked him five times.
Dart’s saving grace in that game was his ability to run the football, which he did 10 times for 54 yards and a score. Brosmer played well in the preseason, but he doesn’t possess the ground game that Dart does. However, Minnesota has superior pass-catchers to the Giants in wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, as well as tight end T.J. Hockenson, who could help Brosmer against a talented defense and confusing scheme in his first real NFL action.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said during his postgame press conference that Brosmer was “ready to go” against the Eagles had the Vikings needed him. So while the smart money probably remains on Wentz to start Minnesota’s “Thursday Night Football” showcase against the Chargers in Los Angeles, O’Connell could find himself absent a choice.
And even if he has one, the Vikings coach and QB guru could change his mind quickly if Wentz appears hurt and/or struggles again like he did against the Eagles.
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