Wentz’s Blunt Reality Check for Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy
Minnesota Vikings Preseason Updates: Quarterback Dynamics and Running Back Concerns
What’s Happening with the Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for their second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens this Saturday afternoon. Think of preseason games like practice matches before the real season starts—they’re chances for players to show what they can do and for coaches to make decisions about who stays on the team.
Key Date: Saturday afternoon – Vikings vs. Ravens (Preseason Game #2)
Quarterback Room: A Three-Player Story
The Current QB Lineup
The Vikings have an interesting situation at quarterback (that’s the player who throws the ball and leads the offense):
| Quarterback | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kyler Murray | Starting QB | Not playing in this preseason game |
| J.J. McCarthy | Young backup | Got lots of playing time in first half of last game |
| Carson Wentz | Veteran backup | Stepped in when another QB got hurt |
How the Last Game Went
In their first preseason game against the Giants:
- First half: J.J. McCarthy got most of the playing time
- Second half: Carson Wentz was supposed to play, but then…
- Plot twist: Max Brosmer (another QB) injured his thumb
- Result: Wentz played the rest of the game and threw what would have been the game-winning touchdown to Myles Price
Carson Wentz Speaks Out: Leadership and Support
On J.J. McCarthy’s "Demotion"
After practice on Thursday, Carson Wentz talked to reporter Kyle Joudry from Vikings Territory. Here’s what he had to say about McCarthy getting less playing time:
"I think he’s handled it well. It’s a tough business. It’s a tough league… tough with media, the pressure, all the things that come with it."
Wentz added three important points:
- "The story is far from written" – for McCarthy, Kyler Murray, and himself
- "I think he’s gotten better since I got here. I’ve seen it firsthand."
- Even though they’re competing for the backup spot, they’re still teammates
On His Own Role
When asked about his personal role on the team, Wentz gave a team-first answer:
"Great question. It’s help the team however I can. Stay ready, whatever that looks like. Yeah, at the end of the day it’s why I signed here is to, if my number gets called, I’m confident in what I can do and what I can bring to the table within this system especially. So we’ll see how it all shakes out."
Important Point: Carson Wentz knows how hard the NFL can be—he’s been through ups and downs himself. His supportive attitude toward the younger quarterback shows veteran leadership.
Running Back Concerns: Demond Claiborne’s Struggles
The Bad News
Reporter Jason Harmon from Vikings on SI watched Thursday’s joint practice with the Ravens and listed Demond Claiborne as a "loser" for the day. Here’s the concern:
- Ball security issues – This has been a problem all offseason long
- Today’s practice "really showcased how detrimental it could ultimately be"
- Specific incident: Had a nice 15-yard run, then fumbled a few plays later (Ravens recovered it)
The Reality Check
Callout: "It’s hard to say that Claiborne won’t make the team yet, but continued ball security issues will make it less likely that he will."
In football, ball security means not fumbling (dropping the ball). For a running back, this is job #1. Coaches simply can’t trust players who fumble in games.
Summary
| Topic | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Quarterbacks | Kyler Murray sits; McCarthy and Wentz compete for backup role; Wentz shows leadership |
| Wentz’s Mindset | "Help the team however I can" – team-first attitude, stays ready |
| McCarthy’s Growth | Wentz confirms he’s improved since arriving |
| Claiborne’s Status | Talented but fumble-prone; roster spot in jeopardy if issues continue |
| Upcoming Game | Saturday vs. Ravens – big chance for backups to prove themselves |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t Kyler Murray playing in the preseason game?
A: Starting quarterbacks often sit out preseason games to avoid injury risk. The games are mainly for evaluating backup players and roster bubble guys.
What does "QB2" mean?
A: QB2 is the backup quarterback – the second-string QB who plays if the starter gets hurt or plays poorly. Both McCarthy and Wentz want this job.
What is a "joint practice"?
A: Two teams practice together instead of against their own teammates. It’s more intense and game-like than regular practice. The Vikings practiced with the Ravens on Thursday.
Why is fumbling such a big deal for running backs?
A: Running backs touch the ball 15-25 times per game. Each fumble gives the other team a chance to score. Coaches prioritize ball security above almost everything else for this position.
Can Demond Claiborne still make the team?
A: Yes, but he needs to fix the fumbling immediately. The Vikings might keep him on the practice squad (a development roster) if he shows improvement but isn’t ready for game action.
Article based on reporting from Brevan Bane (Heavy.com), Kyle Joudry (Vikings Territory), and Jason Harmon (Vikings on SI).