The Minnesota Vikings avoided a winless road trip in Europe on early Sunday morning. In London, the Vikings took on a Cleveland Browns team, led by rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel. It was much more difficult of a matchup on paper for the Vikings.
But when the Vikings needed him the most, Carson Wentz stepped up in a huge way.
The Vikings trailed with a little over three minutes remaining in regulation. The former second-overall pick of the Philadelphia Eagles connected with superstar Justin Jefferson with a 21-yard pass up the middle of the field. Then, with just 25 seconds remaining, Wentz found Jordan Addison on a 12-yard touchdown pass to give the team the 21-17 lead and win.
Yes, Wentz did lead the team to a game-winning drive. But the context of how he did that shows that he played the role of a superhero.
Carson Wentz plays role of hero for Minnesota Vikings with game-winning drive against Cleveland Browns
Following the win, Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune painted the picture perfectly. Wentz completed all nine of his pass attempts for 71 yards and a touchdown on that final drive, and he did so with just one starter on Minnesota's offensive line.
Carson Wentz, playing behind a #Vikings offensive line that was down to one of its starters by the fourth quarter, went 9 of 9 for 71 yards and the touchdown on the last drive. Clutch performance in a drive the Vikings had to have.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) October 5, 2025
The Vikings were without Donovan Jackson, Brian O'Neill, and Michael Jurgens to start the game. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw left during the game as he reached his snap limit. So, guard Will Fries was the only starter left on the offensive line on that final drive.
Despite all of this, Wentz was still able to stay poised and lead Minnesota to their third victory of the season.
Wentz was brought in to provide backup depth with starting experience just in case J.J. McCarthy were to miss time due to injury. Sure enough, he has been sidelined since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2.
In three starts, Wentz has completed 69-of-100 pass attempts for 759 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Vikings and head coach Kevin O'Connell couldn't have asked for more.
The Vikings now enter the bye week, and it sets up McCarthy making his return afterward. But, there may very well be a debate as to who should start, as Minnesota's offense was much more productive with Wentz than McCarthy so far this season. Ultimately, that decision falls on O'Connell.