It's sure beginning to feel more like the Minnesota Vikings potentially have a quarterback controversy on their hands. especially after head coach Kevin O'Connell possibly poured gasoline on the speculation following the team's 21-17 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
O'Connell has assured that 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy won't reclaim the reins from Carson Wentz until fully recovered from a high-ankle sprain -- until now. The reigning Coach of the Year took a different tone during his postgame press conference in London when asked about Minnesota's situation under center.
What O'Connell did (or didn't) say after Sunday's game in response to whether Minnesota's starting signal-caller gig has become Carson Wentz's "job to lose" speaks volumes. By the sound of it, McCarthy isn't as firmly entrenched atop the depth chart as the tea leaves have suggested.
Kevin O'Connell asked about Minnesota Vikings' QB situation after Week 5 win over Cleveland Browns
Rather than addressing the topic head-on, the typically transparent O'Connell evaded the question on Sunday. He chose to focus on the banged-up Vikings finding a way to beat Cleveland and improve to 3-2 ahead of their 14-day break between games.
"I'm just excited we got the win today, and we're going to move forward with this bye and get as healthy as we can at all positions."
Wentz has ostensibly made things interesting enough to at least force O'Connell to consider sticking with him regardless of McCarthy's status.
Signs have pointed toward McCarthy getting the nod when the Vikings host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7. Yet, we're suddenly hearing otherwise straight from the horse's mouth.
While O'Connell has insisted McCarthy will usurp Wentz when at full strength, Minnesota winning two of its past three contests might have changed the team's mindset. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
The Vikings' offense, specifically their passing attack, has been much more effective, including an uncoincidental corresponding return to dominance from superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Despite a brief first-half injury scare, Wentz appeared no worse for wear while leading the Vikings to a thrilling comeback victory against Cleveland. He completed 25-of-34 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown, adding 13 yards on the ground on three carries.
His veteran presence and command of the huddle have been a stabilizing force for Minnesota compared to McCarthy, who might be a bigger developmental project than expected.