Coach Kevin O'Connell's Minnesota Vikings are 6-1 following a division loss to the Detroit Lions that led to the elevation of Carson Wentz over Kyler Murray as starting quarterback. Wentz made comments on disgruntled receiver Justin Jefferson that showed his leadership skills ahead of a Monday Night Football matchup with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith is keeping a close eye on the Vikings, making a declaration that rocked the set of the First Take TV show on Wentz.
“If Wentz wins this game, because Wentz comes close to matching Josh Allen, Wentz is gonna be the new starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, that's what's gonna happen,” Smith said.
Wentz, 33, hasn't had his best seasons in recent years, passing for just over 1,200 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions for the Vikings last season. His last truly outstanding season came in 2021, when he passed for over 3,500 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions with the Indianapolis Colts.
Murray is dealing with a hamstring injury but hasn't gone on injured reserve. He passed for 210 yards with two touchdowns and one interception against the Lions but has just five touchdown passes on the season against three interceptions. He hasn't made the most of a world-class defense led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, a rising star in the coaching ranks.
O'Connell sounded confident in his backup QB Wentz in comments made prior to Monday night's game. Beating the Bills is a tall task, but Wentz has gone toe-to-toe with some of the NFL's best over the course of his career and come out on top, making Monday Night Football an intriguing matchup to say the least.