Kevin O'Connell Stands Firm Behind Carson Wentz as Vikings Gear Up for Browns Clash
Posted October 4, 2025
The Minnesota Vikings are one of many teams dealing with an injured starting quarterback, with J.J. McCarthy set to miss Sunday’s game overseas against the Cleveland Browns due to a high-ankle sprain.
With McCarthy still on the mend and the Vikings playing their second straight game across the pond, head coach Kevin O’Connell will look to veteran backup Carson Wentz to once again shoulder the load under center, as he will make his third consecutive start for Minnesota.
Fortunately for Wentz and company, the Vikings will be facing a Browns team that has made a quarterback change to rookie Dillon Gabriel, replacing Joe Flacco, and has struggled all season, with just one win in four games.
Kevin O’Connell’s Strong Message for Vikings QB Carson Wentz
The real question moving forward is whether the Vikings can continue to stay competitive with Wentz under center, as he’s shown flashes of his old form while also showing some of his weaknesses.
Against T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense last week in Dublin, Ireland, Wentz threw two interceptions, and the team ultimately lost by three. However, Wentz also threw for 350 yards and two touchdowns, which is obviously something that will put a smile on O’Connell’s face.
Heading into Week 5, O’Connell was asked about Wentz’s preparation for a third straight start during a team press conference.
“I think he’s gotten enough time now,” O’Connell said on Wentz’s preparation. “I think it all goes back to that Thursday’s practice after J.J.’s high-ankle sprain. … So he’s really going on his second full week of preparation going into a start, and all those logged reps are starting to be where you can have some things to circle back on that’s not just what you did in Philly or L.A. or Kansas City or Indy or any of the other spots he’s been. It’s now, ‘I remember this rep from a couple of Thursdays ago. I didn’t do this right and here’s why.’ And then the dialogue with us to him, ‘How can we make this fit your eye and fit your comfort level the absolute best way we can?’ And that’s how we’re going to do it, and we have the type of players that can adjust and incorporate those things at the skill positions and along the offensive line that helps Carson.”
It seems as though O’Connell is comfortable with Wentz under center, and he should be considering the results thus far, even though the veteran signal-caller will be going up against Myles Garrett and a talented Browns defense.
Vikings Aim for Bounce-Back Performance With Carson Wentz
Heading into Week 5’s matchup with the Browns, the Vikings are the favorites (-3.5), with O’Connell brimming with confidence after what he’s seen over the course of the first four games of the 2025 NFL season.
“My confidence level in the group is as high as it has ever been,” O’Connell said heading into Week 5.
Although O’Connell is as confident as ever with his group, he knows the team has a challenge ahead against a Browns team that can contain potent offenses.
“Hopefully, just continue to be comfortable, first and foremost,” O’Connell said. “It’s not going to be comfortable for one snap playing against this defense on Sunday. We know that—one of the best in football. But at the same time, if the guys in the huddle do their jobs and we just get simple execution done at a high level, I think we’re going to compete and have a chance against these guys.
“That’s the way they’ve prepared and that’s very much what I’m looking forward to seeing on Sunday.”
It’ll be interesting to see how things pan out and if Wentz can continue to play at a high level while facing another tough defense led by an elite pass rusher.
Saints’ Rookie Cornerback Quincy Riley Poised for Career-Defining Start
"His time on defense will come," is what New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley said just two weeks ago about rookie cornerback Quincy Riley. Well, this Sunday, it'll be his time.
This is after cornerback Isaac Yiadom was ruled out with a hamstring injury. For Riley, this is a huge opportunity to take that second starting spot from the veteran. For the Saints, it's another chance to see if they have a building block for the future.
Currently, the fourth-round draft pick is the fifth-highest-graded defensive player, per Pro Football Focus in New Orleans with a grade of 69.4. His run defense is one of the best among the cornerbacks in the National Football League, with a grade of 80.7 (13th out of 165 cornerbacks). So far this season, he's gathered six tackles, two stuffs, and one forced fumble.
The New Orleans Saints are getting younger
Quincy Riley getting the nod goes along with something that the team has been emphasizing throughout the season. "When you feel like the player is good enough to play, then he needs to play," Brandon Staley told the media. "That's something that we (the Saints) believe in. I think you're seeing it now with some of our young guys and rookies. We want to get them out there, and how much is going to depend. The only way you can improve is by going out there and playing."
Riley won't be the only Saints player from the 2025 draft class to get a starting nod on Sunday. Safety Jonas Sanker, the third-round draft pick from this year, is set to get his fourth straight start. He's another one who's garnered praise from the coaching staff. "I'm just really happy for this guy," Kellen Moore said when asked about Sanker's progress. "This guy's progressing every week. He's played some really hard situations this week... He's coming around in a really special way."
It'll be a battle of the young guys on Sunday, as the Giants are expected to lean heavily on their rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo. Kickoff is set for noon Sunday at the Superdome.
