**TNF on Prime - Vikings at Chargers**(-3.5, 44.5) 8:15 (2 Viewers)

[Terpman22]

Wentz might not be able to kill 100 ducks this weekend if his shoulder stays this bad

 

[irish eyes]

Wentz seems to be hurt after every single play. Just get him out of there.

 

[irish eyes]

How much worse could it possibly get.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

What evidence do you have that he wasn't one of the worst QBs in the league for two weeks?

That JJM looked better in the comeback win than Wentz has looked at any time this year?

Also it’s a straw man. I don’t care if JJM was one of the worst QBs. He’s a rookie. He’s gonna take his lumps.

But the conversation isn’t about that, it’s about whether the Vikings are faking an injury.

I didn't say they faked an injury. Don't put words in my mouth and don't do this. You know you're being a jerk. I'm done. You can have it.

The running conspiracy theory is that JJM isn’t playing but isn’t really hurt.

You said the coach is telling us everything by not playing him. How exactly is that not what you were saying?

Cmon.

There is no conspiracy theory when people say that. They're saying that O'Connell is not being forthright. That's not a conspiracy theory. That's what we call a guy who is lying or not fully truthful.

So folks claiming the coach is lying without evidence of that isn’t a conspiracy? Got it.

I call that a conspiracy theory. Like when people say the Loch Ness Monster or Sasquatch are real without evidence.

But it’s not a hill I need to die on. Enjoy your evening.

 

[travdogg]

What evidence do you have that he wasn't one of the worst QBs in the league for two weeks?

That JJM looked better in the comeback win than Wentz has looked at any time this year?

Also it’s a straw man. I don’t care if JJM was one of the worst QBs. He’s a rookie. He’s gonna take his lumps.

But the conversation isn’t about that, it’s about whether the Vikings are faking an injury.

Just to jump in, but I think that 1st sentence is really important. Wentz is a 10th season guy who has played badly. McCarthy played badly for most of 2 games. The ceiling is so much higher with JJ. We know this is the best Wentz can do.

If JJ is healthy enough to play, its downright malpractice not to be starting him, unless they did such a terrible job of self-scouting, that in 2 games they went from "we'll be fine moving on from Darnold, who played at a pro bowl level" to "McCarthy has no idea what he's doing, this injury allows us to play a guy we think is better, even though no other team wanted him"

As a Big Ten guy. I thought McCarthy was a good, if somewhat raw, prospect, he wasn't asked to be a gunslinger in college, but he doesn't have to be here either, you have 2 good RBs, and a good defense, work some PA shots to WRs (and Hock) who win 1-1s and you can make that work.

 

[urbanhack]

weak armed with limited mobility.

Two QB skills you can build a franchise around.

Yea but he knows the system.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

How much worse could it possibly get.

I hope you knocked on wood. lmao

 

[Harry Frogfish]

The down judge acting offended that his hat got knocked off and the player didn't acknowledge any of it (because, well, he's playing football), was hilarious. Watch it again, he wouldn't just pick up his hat at first, as if he was considering a flag for moment, lol.

Then the guy gets checked for a concussion. I'm sure he didn't call for the game stoppage, but still the sequence was funny, and fits the mold.

Look at Me! I got air time! Officials are such tools. Alls sports. Okay, not all, if that makes it better, but a lot of them.

The NBA now putting them front and center on your screen, like in your face, is so perfect for that league.

 

[rockaction]

What evidence do you have that he wasn't one of the worst QBs in the league for two weeks?

That JJM looked better in the comeback win than Wentz has looked at any time this year?

Also it’s a straw man. I don’t care if JJM was one of the worst QBs. He’s a rookie. He’s gonna take his lumps.

But the conversation isn’t about that, it’s about whether the Vikings are faking an injury.

Just to jump in, but I think that 1st sentence is really important. Wentz is a 10th season guy who has played badly. McCarthy played badly for most of 2 games. The ceiling is so much higher with JJ. We know this is the best Wentz can do.

If JJ is healthy enough to play, its downright malpractice not to be starting him, unless they did such a terrible job of self-scouting, that in 2 games they went from "we'll be fine moving on from Darnold, who played at a pro bowl level" to "McCarthy has no idea what he's doing, this injury allows us to play a guy we think is better, even though no other team wanted him"

As a Big Ten guy. I thought McCarthy was a good, if somewhat raw, prospect, he wasn't asked to be a gunslinger in college, but he doesn't have to be here either, you have 2 good RBs, and a good defense, work some PA shots to WRs (and Hock) who win 1-1s and you can make that work.

Why are they throwing more in neutral situations with Wentz?

 

[rockaction]

What evidence do you have that he wasn't one of the worst QBs in the league for two weeks?

That JJM looked better in the comeback win than Wentz has looked at any time this year?

Also it’s a straw man. I don’t care if JJM was one of the worst QBs. He’s a rookie. He’s gonna take his lumps.

But the conversation isn’t about that, it’s about whether the Vikings are faking an injury.

Just to jump in, but I think that 1st sentence is really important. Wentz is a 10th season guy who has played badly. McCarthy played badly for most of 2 games. The ceiling is so much higher with JJ. We know this is the best Wentz can do.

If JJ is healthy enough to play, its downright malpractice not to be starting him, unless they did such a terrible job of self-scouting, that in 2 games they went from "we'll be fine moving on from Darnold, who played at a pro bowl level" to "McCarthy has no idea what he's doing, this injury allows us to play a guy we think is better, even though no other team wanted him"

As a Big Ten guy. I thought McCarthy was a good, if somewhat raw, prospect, he wasn't asked to be a gunslinger in college, but he doesn't have to be here either, you have 2 good RBs, and a good defense, work some PA shots to WRs (and Hock) who win 1-1s and you can make that work.

Why are they throwing more in neutral situations with Wentz?

No I mean, ****. Why is that the first time in Kevin O’Connell’s career he’s ever had a negative PROE?

Where’s your evidence?

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

What evidence do you have that he wasn't one of the worst QBs in the league for two weeks?

That JJM looked better in the comeback win than Wentz has looked at any time this year?

Also it’s a straw man. I don’t care if JJM was one of the worst QBs. He’s a rookie. He’s gonna take his lumps.

But the conversation isn’t about that, it’s about whether the Vikings are faking an injury.

Just to jump in, but I think that 1st sentence is really important. Wentz is a 10th season guy who has played badly. McCarthy played badly for most of 2 games. The ceiling is so much higher with JJ. We know this is the best Wentz can do.

If JJ is healthy enough to play, its downright malpractice not to be starting him, unless they did such a terrible job of self-scouting, that in 2 games they went from "we'll be fine moving on from Darnold, who played at a pro bowl level" to "McCarthy has no idea what he's doing, this injury allows us to play a guy we think is better, even though no other team wanted him"

As a Big Ten guy. I thought McCarthy was a good, if somewhat raw, prospect, he wasn't asked to be a gunslinger in college, but he doesn't have to be here either, you have 2 good RBs, and a good defense, work some PA shots to WRs (and Hock) who win 1-1s and you can make that work.

This is all fair. The issue, IMO, is that the OL is a disaster. 67% pressure rate is not good.

But high ankle sprains are tricky injuries and can take a lot of time to heal. They’re a .500 team in a brutal division. I don’t see a reason to hurry him back, and if the Vikes want to make sure he’s 100%, I think that’s a responsible thing to do. Especially knowing their line is trash.

Hey, maybe JJM sucks. I just don’t buy the theory that a healthy JJM is being benched for… whatever it is Wentz is trying to do out there. Like you, I believe it would be coaching malpractice, especially after HC & GM came out and planted their flag on JJM.

 

[FantasyGuru24]

I need DICKer!!!

Woah .. Wrong forum there buddy.

 

[Smack Tripper]

Bolts should go get Breece Hall, they could win a bowl this year

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

No I mean, ****. Why is that the first time in Kevin O’Connell’s career he’s ever had a negative PROE?

Where’s your evidence?

Maybe because their line sucks and they’re struggling to run the ball?

Seems logical.

 

[travdogg]

Why are they throwing more in neutral situations with Wentz?

I'm not denying they are throwing more with Wentz. I'm denying that it makes them a better offense.

 

[rockaction]

Why are they throwing more in neutral situations with Wentz?

I'm not denying they are throwing more with Wentz. I'm denying that it makes them a better offense.

Okay so it follows logically that they want McCarthy in there to hand off?

 

[rockaction]

Have you looked at any of their ratings or statistics?

Like, or are we just going to make evidence-free ****in statements?

 

[irish eyes]

Minnesota defense looks completely disinterested.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Another half-step and McConkey was gone.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Why are they throwing more in neutral situations with Wentz?

I'm not denying they are throwing more with Wentz. I'm denying that it makes them a better offense.

Okay so it follows logically that they want McCarthy in there to hand off?

Maybe JJM will develop as a QB while handing it off. And maybe he’d also get better at passing. Experience is a good teacher, I’ve heard.

One would think that after letting Darnold go and staking their future on JJM they would want to get him those reps, but I’m just an NFL fan, so what do I know.

 

[Smack Tripper]

Vikes D had a near pick 6 and then absolutely shut it down

Flores is amazing how how and cold he runs

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

So much for the sophomore slump. Huge play by Ladd.

 

[rockaction]

Why are they throwing more in neutral situations with Wentz?

I'm not denying they are throwing more with Wentz. I'm denying that it makes them a better offense.

Okay so it follows logically that they want McCarthy in there to hand off?

Maybe JJM will develop as a QB while handing it off. And maybe he’s also get better at passing. Experience is a good teacher, I’ve heard.

One would think that after letting Darnold go and staking their future on JJM they would want to get him those reps, but I’m just an NFL fan, so what do I know.

That’s fair and depersonalized. I dunno. Perhaps reps and experience will be what he needs.

 

[Insein]

Going against Vikings defense. All I can say is MORE!

 

[efactor]

So much for the sophomore slump. Huge play by Ladd.

Helps to have a QB like Herbert too

 

[travdogg]

Maybe Jalen Hurts didn't figure it out last week. Maybe the Vikings D is becoming a problem.

 

[irish eyes]

Why are they throwing more in neutral situations with Wentz?

I'm not denying they are throwing more with Wentz. I'm denying that it makes them a better offense.

Okay so it follows logically that they want McCarthy in there to hand off?

Maybe JJM will develop as a QB while handing it off. And maybe he’d also get better at passing. Experience is a good teacher, I’ve heard.

One would think that after letting Darnold go and staking their future on JJM they would want to get him those reps, but I’m just an NFL fan, so what do I know.

Yeah why is he even emergency 3rd QB if he is so hurt.

 

[renesauz]

I think Gadsden has killed Quentin Johnston.

was hoping for one more good week from Johnston too

 

[Smack Tripper]

I didn't bid crazy because I was worried about too many mouths to feed on the Chargers but it seems like Gadsen is THE mouth and all other guys will adjust

Or they played a bad D last week and a D that had to go halfway across the country on a short week

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

That’s fair and depersonalized. I dunno. Perhaps reps and experience will be what he needs.

And to continue that thought, one could logically assume that MIN would have him out there to get those reps if they were sure he wouldn’t suffer a setback, right?

They also have the body of evidence of Wentz getting absolutely pummeled out there. Maybe they don’t want their QB of the future to be wearing a brace and limping/wincing/gripping his hand after every play.

If I’m MIN I’m not starting JJM until he’s 100%. Especially with an injury that impacts mobility.

 

[irish eyes]

Minnesota OLine stinks, defense stinks, QB awful. Bad recipe.

 

[fatness]

Gravity just loves Carson Wentz. He's always falling to the ground.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Jesus, what a week to be facing Eboigbe.

 

[Insein]

What? Come on Reichard. Wtf was that

 

[ShamrockPride]

Wow. A foot short.

 

[renesauz]

ooooooffff, cant even get the routine 54 yarder as time expired,

I would say its over ,, but we've seen a couple huge comebacks already this year

 

[travdogg]

What? Come on Reichard. Wtf was that

Didn't get to go through the pre-kick routine.

 

[Insein]

Damn it that really screws me. I was at least going to have 10 for my kicker. Odds are he doesn't get another attempt the rest of the game now.

 

[fatness]

Jefferson is so good.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Naturally Greenard is on my bench in my home league. I am very good at FF.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Need Herbert to throw for 9 more yards to hit my 4 leg parlay. Easy money. Lol.

 

[travdogg]

The duality of fantasy football. I didn't start Herbert, opponent didn't start McConkey. Win some, lose some.

 

[fatness]

Oh boy THE BRAND NEW PRIME VIDEO SET.

Time to go read to my turtle.

 

[rockaction]

That’s fair and depersonalized. I dunno. Perhaps reps and experience will be what he needs.

And to continue that thought, one could logically assume that MIN would have him out there to get those reps if they were sure he wouldn’t suffer a setback, right?

They also have the body of evidence of Wentz getting absolutely pummeled out there. Maybe they don’t want their QB of the future to be wearing a brace and limping/wincing/gripping his hand after every play.

If I’m MIN I’m not starting JJM until he’s 100%. Especially with an injury that impacts mobility.

Fair again. I do think there are a lot of pretty good Occam-certified reasons to doubt O’Connell’s veracity. I think (and this is speculative) that he knows bringing McCarthy back means this year is shot, and Kwesi and him are stuck holding a bag they could have given to Darnold. I say they shouldn’t be ashamed; Sam had six years to prove that pressure didn’t fold him like a cheap tent.

And guess what? It didn’t. I would not have thought it in a million. But I think that factors into it. Every GM and coach sweats the press and PR. Not one of them doesn’t.

Anyway, we will see when JJ comes back.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

The duality of fantasy football. I didn't start Herbert, opponent didn't start McConkey. Win some, lose some.

I’m facing Ladd in 2 leagues. It’s fine.

 

[rockaction]

Jesus, what a week to be facing Eboigbe.

Damn. I asked Tau about him in a DT premium league and he told me not much of a pass rush or something like that. lol.

Oh dear Crikey. You know what? Guy is right 95% of the time about the Chargers. Probably that awful line O’Connell won’t put McCarthy.

 

[Schmeabs]

Why are they throwing more in neutral situations with Wentz?

I'm not denying they are throwing more with Wentz. I'm denying that it makes them a better offense.

Okay so it follows logically that they want McCarthy in there to hand off?

Maybe JJM will develop as a QB while handing it off. And maybe he’d also get better at passing. Experience is a good teacher, I’ve heard.

One would think that after letting Darnold go and staking their future on JJM they would want to get him those reps, but I’m just an NFL fan, so what do I know.

Yeah why is he even emergency 3rd QB if he is so hurt.

He isn't hurt

 

[Bossman]

Wondering how MIN won 3 games ... the o-line is 5 turnstiles.

 

[Statorama]

Dang, what team can stop this offense now that Gadsden is clicking? They look bona fide terrific

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Sam had six years to prove that pressure didn’t fold him like a cheap tent.

i think Darnold would be cooked behind that line, too.

His demise last year was directly the result of OL injuries coinciding with playoff caliber football. Why would we think Darnold would be any better than Wentz back there?

Anyway, we will see when JJ comes back.

Honestly I’m not sure we will. We might see some QB play ranging from awful to great, but it’s probably something to monitor play to play rather than week to week. Look for the light to go on, get better at sensing pressure. Incremental improvement of play would probably be a huge win for the Vikings headed to 2026.