The Minnesota Vikings faced significant pressure as they hosted the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Backup quarterback Carson Wentz had to take over for injured QB1 J.J. McCarthy, and he had joined the team just a few weeks earlier. Head coach Kevin O'Connell had faith that Wentz could lead the team successfully.
Wentz was able to pay that faith off as the Vikings rolled to a 48-10 blowout victory. The Vikings forced five turnovers throughout the game and cornerback Isaiah Rodgers performed in a spectacular manner. He took an interception 87 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter and followed that by forcing a fumble, recovering it and running with that takeaway 66 yards for another touchdown. He also forced another fumble later in the game.
The active Vikings defense made life much easier for Wentz, who grew up rooting for his current team. The quarterback was under pressure at several points during the game and he was sacked 3 times for 19 yards. However, the huge difference on the scoreboard meant that Wentz could just execute the Vikings game plan without the anxiety that the mistake could cost the Vikings a victory.
Wentz completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards with 2 touchdown passes and no interceptions. After the game's conclusion, he met with the media and explained how much he enjoyed playing his first game at quarterback for the Vikings.
“All I can say Is I had a blast out there,” Wentz said. “Obviously being in the purple and gold means a little extra something to me personally. It was a ton of fun, also a ton of fun watching the defense play like that.”
Rodgers has huge game for Vikings
After Wentz threw a touchdown pass to Josh Oliver on the team's opening possession, Rodgers intercepted a pass from Bengals quarterback Jake Browning later in the first quarter and delivered his first spectacular touchdown.
The cornerback was just getting started after that big play. Rodgers forced a fumble from Bengals tight end Noah Fant, recovered the loose ball and took it to the end zone for a second touchdown. He also forced another first half fumble that the Bears recovered.
The Vikings were able build a huge first half lead, taking a 34-3 advantage into the lockerroom after 30 minutes. The Bengals were not able to mount a serious threat at any point in the second half.
Wentz got a big assist from Jordan Mason and the Vikings running game. Mason carried the ball 16 times for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught 5 passes for 75 yards.
