Despite picking up the 13-10 win over the Giants, Minnesota Vikings fans aren't feeling particularly great about the offense after 60 minutes of football in the preseason.
The offense racked up just 238 yards as a unit and went four of 12 on third down. It was not the 2026 debut Minnesota hoped for, but it is just preseason, so there's no reason to panic.
One thing Vikings fans do need to be concerned about, though, is the performance of their now-backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy. After that game, McCarthy might have created a brand-new quarterback controversy in the worst way possible.
J.J. McCarthy’s struggles could force the Minnesota Vikings to rethink their backup quarterback plan
Things did not go according to plan for McCarthy in his first preseason game since Kyler Murray was announced as the starting quarterback. He had three drives for the Vikings: three punts and 34 total yards.
McCarthy played most of the first half of the game. He completed four of seven passes for 34 yards. Oh, and he added one yard on the ground.
That's it. That's all he did.
As for Carson Wentz, currently slated as third-string quarterback, he completed nine of 14 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown pass. He led scoring drives on two of the three possessions after stepping in for the injured Max Brosmer.
This is leading some to genuinely question whether McCarthy should be Murray’s backup at all -- or whether Minnesota should promote Wentz instead.
McCarthy really struggled and never seemed to find a rhythm. He attempted only seven passes, so that has to be taken into account. He did complete a 17-yard pass to Myles Price, but that was more about Price making a great adjustment to a throw that wasn’t particularly good.
The lack of a dangerous passing game also hampered the Vikings’ rushing attack. Minnesota gained 44 yards on the ground on its opening drive alone but managed just 17 during McCarthy’s three possessions.
Wentz seemed more confident and in control of the offense. The Vikings moved the ball well with the passing game and balanced it through the running game.
McCarthy's future has already been in question after Murray got the starting job. Many think the Vikings could trade away the second-year quarterback, which, after this game, isn't far-fetched.
The Vikings may need to consider Wentz as a backup soon enough. McCarthy's trade value certainly took a hit, and so might his backup status.
A new quarterback problem is in front of the Vikings with McCarthy and Wentz. The next two preseason games could determine McCarthy's future with Minnesota after training camp.
Add us as a preferred source on Google