Quarterback Carson Wentz reprises his youthful allegiance to the Minnesota Vikings, stepping in for J.J. McCarthy in the clash against the Bengals.
In a surprising turn of events, Carson Wentz will make his debut for his sixth NFL team when the Minnesota Vikings host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Wentz, the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft, grew up rooting for the Vikings and will now lead their first-team offense.
The Vikings' quarterback position has been in flux due to J.J. McCarthy's sprained ankle, temporarily sidetracking Wentz's debut. McCarthy remains the starting quarterback for the Vikings, but Wentz's arrival adds an intriguing dimension to the team's offensive strategy.
Meanwhile, the Bengals find themselves in a challenging situation with Joe Burrow sidelined due to a toe injury. In his absence, Jake Browning, who was cut by the Vikings at the end of training camp in 2021, has been thrust into the job. Browning spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons on Minnesota's practice squad before making seven starts for the team two seasons ago when Burrow was injured.
The Bengals are currently winless, but they have shown resilience, particularly in their last two games against the Vikings, which both went to overtime. The Bengals have also been impressive in their interception count, with four interceptions in the first two games, a feat they last achieved in 2014.
Jordan Battle, a Bengals player, has made a significant impact, picking off a pass in each of the first two games, a feat not seen in Cincinnati since Ashley Ambrose in 1996. On the defensive side, Trey Hendrickson leads the NFL with 12 quarterback hurries and is tied for the top spot with six quarterback hits.
However, the Bengals have struggled with their running game, averaging a league-low 2.4 yards per carry. They have yet to record a running play of at least 12 yards. Conversely, the Vikings had a rough game defending the run in their previous game, allowing Atlanta to rack up 218 yards on 39 attempts.
In the 2021 season opener, the Vikings erased a 24-point second-half deficit, a testament to their fighting spirit. The last overtime game won by the Bengals was against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with a final score of 31:27, where backup QB Jake Browning scored the game-winning touchdown seconds before the end.
As both teams seek their first win of the season, the matchup between Wentz and Browning promises to be a fascinating subplot. Wentz played remarkably well for the first four years of his career, but struggled in 2020. Meanwhile, Browning will aim to prove his worth as the Bengals' starting quarterback in Burrow's absence.
This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams showcasing their resilience and determination to claim their first victory of the season. The outcome could hinge on the performance of the quarterbacks, the running games, and the defences, making it a game not to be missed.
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