Carson Wentz’s football journey took an interesting turn due to injuries in Minnesota. It all started nine years ago when Teddy Bridgewater’s serious injury pushed Wentz into the spotlight. That was when the Eagles traded for Sam Bradford, setting Wentz up as the starting quarterback in Philly.
Now, history seems to be repeating itself. Another Vikings quarterback injury has paved the way for Wentz to step up again, this time against the Bengals and former Vikings backup Jake Browning. This game is special for Wentz because he’ll be playing for the team he loved as a child. He shared his excitement, saying, “Running out of that tunnel this week will probably hit me a little differently.”
Wentz is making history in another way, too. He’s set to be the first player to start for six different teams in six consecutive seasons: Eagles, Colts, Commanders, Rams, Chiefs, and now the Vikings. This game marks his 95th start in a regular season.
Over the years, Wentz has shown glimpses of greatness. In 2017, he was a strong MVP contender until he tore his ACL. In 2019, he threw 27 touchdown passes with only seven interceptions for the Eagles, but injuries kept haunting him. His season with the Colts was another highlight, tossing 27 touchdowns again in a single season. However, he struggled in subsequent years, spending time as a backup before his recent chance in Minnesota.
This year, he was mainly a backup to Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, with Wentz’s only start coming in a late-season game that didn’t affect playoff standings. Despite the ups and downs, he showcases impressive skills, including a notorious left-handed pick-six.
The Vikings’ coach, Kevin O’Connell, has a knack for preparing quarterbacks quickly, as seen with his work with Josh Dobbs after Kirk Cousins’ injury. Wentz’s performance may have big consequences. If he plays well, it could delay a possible return for J.J. McCarthy, while failure could open the door for rookie Max Brosmer to step in.
This comeback story captures the unpredictable nature of the NFL. As Wentz takes the field, fans and analysts alike are watching closely, curious to see if he can turn this opportunity into a successful chapter in his career.
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