Experts Suggest Minnesota Vikings Reevaluate Carson Wentz’s Quarterback Role After Four Games: ‘Time for a Long-Term Solution’
Minneapolis, MN – October 15, 2025 — After four games into the season, several NFL experts are now urging the Minnesota Vikings to reassess their decision to start Carson Wentz at quarterback. While Wentz has shown flashes of brilliance in certain moments, his overall performance has not lived up to expectations, leading many to question whether he is the long-term solution for the team.
“Carson has had his moments, but as we’ve seen, his performance has been inconsistent,” said former NFL quarterback and analyst, Michael Smith. “The Vikings need to consider if this is the direction they want to keep going in. At this point, it may be time for them to explore other options or develop a plan for the future.”
Wentz, who was brought in to provide stability at quarterback, has faced several struggles in recent weeks, with his decision-making and ability to move the offense under scrutiny. His struggles have been particularly evident in critical situations, where the Vikings have failed to convert on key drives.
Despite his potential, the Vikings' offense has not been as efficient as many expected, and it has left the team searching for answers. With the playoffs still within reach, the question remains whether the Vikings can afford to continue with Wentz as their starter or if a change is necessary.
“After four games, the jury is still out on Wentz, but it’s clear that his inconsistency is holding this team back,” said NFL analyst Chris Berman. “The Vikings need a quarterback who can bring consistent play and elevate the offense. If Wentz isn’t that guy, they need to make a change — sooner rather than later.”
With questions about Wentz’s future in Minnesota mounting, the Vikings’ coaching staff will likely have to make a decision soon. Whether it involves bringing in a new starter or committing to Wentz for the long haul, it’s clear that the Vikings need to find a solution that can carry them forward and help them meet the high expectations set for this season.
Texans coach throws kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn under the bus over mistake
The Houston Texans tried to stage a late-game comeback against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night, and a mistake from veteran kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn made the task more difficult.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw a touchdown pass to running back Woody Marks with 2:04 left in the fourth quarter to cut Seattle's lead to 27-19. With one timeout and the two-minute warning remaining, Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans kicked the ball deep after the touchdown rather than attempting an onside kick.
Fairbairn was supposed to kick the ball out of bounds and take the penalty for doing so, that way the Seahawks did not have an opportunity to return to kick and run the clock down to the two-minute warning. Instead, Fairbairn kicked the ball to Seattle returner George Holani, who ran it back to his team's 28-yard line and took six valuable seconds off the clock.
The Texans had to burn their final timeout following a Zach Charbonnet run on first down. Charbonnet carried the ball two more times, and Houston committed an unnecessary roughness penalty on third down. That gave the Seahawks a first down and allowed them to kneel out the remainder of the clock to seal their 27-19 victory.
DeMeco Ryans was not happy with Ka'imi Fairbairn
Following the game, Ryans told reporters that Fairbairn did not follow instructions.
"The plan at the end of the game was kicking the ball out of bounds so we could utilize the two minute,” Ryans said, via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “We did not execute it. Just goes to the entire game, frustrating that we’re not executing the things we’re coached to do."
There is no guarantee the Texans would have come up with a stop even if they had managed to save the two-minute warning. Still, Fairbairn made a mental error in a situation where he should have known what to do. It also reflects poorly on Ryan and Houston's coaching staff.
The Texans fell to 2-4 with the loss. Their offense struggled for most of the game, which has been a familiar theme for Stroud and company over the past two seasons.
