Carson Wentz’s reputation precedes him, and that could be bad news for the Minnesota Vikings as they take on the Cleveland Browns in London in Week 5.
Wentz is filling in for injured starter J.J. McCarthy, but the former Philadelphia Eagles star and No. 2 overall pick of the 2016 draft has an extensive track record. Whether or not Wentz plays to that level could be the difference between winning and losing for the Vikings.
He will have to overcome plenty of obstacles to get the win.
Browns Looking to ‘Exploit’ Vikings QB Carson Wentz
GettyGrant Delpit #9 of the Cleveland Browns reacts during the game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Fifth-year Browns starting safety Grant Delpit spoke candidly about facing the Vikings, and, specifically, Wentz this week. Delpit pointed to a particularly bad habit that he believes Wentz has that could prove costly.
It is turnovers, and Wentz’s propensity for them has certainly gotten Delpit’s attention.
“I see those kind of opportunities every week, especially with a you know a non-starter that’s just becoming a starter on a new team and stuff,” Delpit told reporters on October 2. “And he actually has a history of turning the ball over a lot, so that’s something that we got to exploit. Make him uncomfortable and go get that thing.”
The Browns enter this tilt with the Vikings ranked 24th in scoring defense but first in yards allowed, and they are top-five against the run and pass.
So far, though, they have just 2 interceptions on the season as a team.
Vikings QB Carson Wentz Must Avoid Bad Habit vs Browns
GettyCarson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Wentz’s Vikings have averaged 362 total yards of offense over the last two games, with 242.5 YPG coming through the air. The Vikings had two turnovers in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, though, which could be ominous for Week 5 against the Browns.
Wentz has completed 66.7% of his passes for 523 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in two starts for the Vikings this season.
For his career, Wentz has a 22,933-157-69 line on 62.7% completion.
Notably, Wentz has the third-fewest interceptions thrown among all QBs with at least 3,300 passing attempts since he entered the league, per Stathead. However, his interception rate is tied for the second-highest in that group with, among others, former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins.
Wentz is also tied for the fifth-most multi-interception games among all QBs in that same span. He has 19, one fewer than Cousins.
Vikings Battling Injury Bug at Bad Time
GettyMyles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns warms up before facing the Detroit Lions.
Further compounding the issue for Wentz, the Vikings’ offensive line has been ravaged by injuries.
Three of the starting five members will miss this contest in London against the Browns in Week 5. Center Ryan Kelly is in concussion protocol, right tackle Brian O’Neill has an MCL injury, and left guard Donovan Jackson has a wrist injury.
Conversely, Browns star defensive lineman Myles Garrett left no doubts about his status.
“Asked if there were any chances of him missing the game with the ankle injury that had him limited in practice, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett, told reporters on October 3, “No,” before explaining, “I’m a ‘never say die’ kind of guy. So, you have to kill me to keep me from being on the field, pretty much.”
Wentz’s performance in this contest could go a long way toward the Vikings’ decision on when to bring McCarthy back.
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