BB.Carson Wentz Steps Into Leadership Role as Vikings Support J.J. McCarthy’s Recovery

Coach Kevin O’Connell continued to praise Wentz ahead of his third Vikings start on Sunday and offered a little insight into how they’ll ease McCarthy back into practices.

Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz said Wednesday: I’ve kind of seen it all. For me, that’s helped me have a different perspective and help the team however I can.” (Kirsty Wigglesworth/The Associated Press)

WARE, ENGLAND – Carson Wentz walked into Hanbury Manor’s posh greenhouse-style room, bathed in the natural light illuminating a 200-acre country club. As Wentz approached the podium for the third time as the Vikings’ starting quarterback, he remarked, “This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever done a press conference.”

Perspective was a theme of Wentz’s weekly Wednesday chat, this time with reporters from the United Kingdom and Minnesota. Wentz discussed his outlook on the offensive line’s injuries, how he views his role with young (and injured) quarterback J.J. McCarthy and how his 10-year journey with six different NFL teams has set him up to juggle all that for a team he joined on Aug. 24.

“There’s a lot to learn every year. Got more kids in almost every stop, makes life a little crazier,” said Wentz, a father to three daughters with a fourth on the way. “I’ve learned a lot both on and off the field, and I’ve been in different roles. I was a starter, been a backup, was a starter and lost my job. I’ve kind of seen it all. For me, that’s helped me have a different perspective and help the team however I can.”

This isn’t new to Wentz. Well, Tuesday’s round of golf on the Hanbury Manor course designed by Jack Nicklaus II was new.

“I’ve been really happy with him,” O’Connell said Wednesday. “If you really peel back the layers on it, he’s two tipped-ball interceptions from having a pretty clean sheet and running our offense, helping us score some points. Consistency amongst all 11 guys on offense, regardless of who’s in, is what we’re looking for, because we feel when we do the little things … we can have a good day on offense.”

Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz runs a drill during Wednesday’s practice at Hanbury Manor in Ware, England. (Kirsty Wigglesworth/The Associated Press)

The little things include those pesky yellow flags that keep getting thrown.

The Vikings are the NFL’s second-most penalized team. The offense, specifically, has drawn 19 flags, including a league-worst 13 pre-snap penalties like delay of game and false start. Opponents have accepted 37 flags against Minnesota as a team, which has been a focus for coaches during practices.

Whether it’s left tackle Christian Darrisaw flinching too early or replacement center Michael Jurgens, who is also injured now, looking back at Wentz during a protection call and drawing another false start, the Vikings have spread the penalties around as an offense.

“That’s something that unfortunately is biting us,” Wentz said. “I don’t think that’s by any means a center thing; it’s just everybody as a whole. We just got to lock in on all the small things.”

On Wednesday, O’Connell said McCarthy will return “sooner than later.” O’Connell clarified he wants to see McCarthy in position drills before getting him “real reps” in full-team sessions.

“Where he’s throwing to our guys and working the techniques and fundamentals,” O’Connell said. “Think it’s more important to feel his footwork, and with it specifically being the back foot, you know, the base of a right-handed thrower. Making sure he can trust that, put it in the ground and transfer his weight.”

Vikings quarterbacks Desmond Ridder (5), Max Brosmer (12) and Carson Wentz (11) at the team’s practice Wednesday in Ware, England. (Kirsty Wigglesworth/The Associated Press)

Wentz, the second overall pick in 2016 by the Philadelphia Eagles, said McCarthy has been an asset during his current three-week run as the starter.

“Even last week with Jordan [Addison] coming back,” Wentz said, “asking him like, ‘What does he do well? What are the things – how he is he getting out of breaks, his best routes?’ … Obviously, it’s unfortunate he can’t physically be out there. Been in those shoes many times, but he’s been very locked in, focused and still part of this team in a big way.”

Wentz, 32, was asked how he views his role with McCarthy, who is a decade younger than Wentz and has been pegged as the franchise quarterback.

“I knew that coming in from the moment I got here,” Wentz said. “How can I help this team, which without a doubt would be helping him in any way, shape or form. Obviously, he’s probably been helping me a lot more learning the playbook, learning the guys, all those things, both him and Max [Brosmer].”

Wentz said he’s been helping McCarthy “whether that’s after practice, in the film room, whatever that looks like. I’ve seen a lot of this stuff – the good, the bad and the ugly for a while now, so any insight I can add to help him, he’s been super receptive to that. He wants to learn as much as he can.”

Lions GM Brad Holmes Faces Cancer Battle, Shares How Team’s Success Keeps Him Going

In an emotional announcement that has deeply resonated with Lions fans, Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes has revealed that he is currently battling cancer. Known for his instrumental role in reshaping the Lions’ roster and building a competitive team, Holmes has focused on improving the team’s future, with a clear vision for success. Despite the personal challenge of battling cancer, Holmes remains committed to his role, finding strength in the team’s continued success.

Since becoming GM in 2021, Holmes has helped turn the Lions into one of the most exciting young teams in the NFL. His work in rebuilding the team’s roster through the draft and free agency has revitalized the franchise, leading to significant improvements in both offense and defense. Under his leadership, the Lions have become a team with potential, and Holmes has been recognized for his clear direction and steady hand.

Holmes shared that every victory the Lions achieve gives him the strength to keep fighting. “Every win we get here in Detroit reminds me of what we’re capable of as a team,” Holmes said. “It gives me the strength to stay focused and energized. The spirit of the team and the incredible support from our fans keep me going every day.”

Lions fans have rallied around Holmes, offering their support and admiration for his leadership and resilience. The strong bond between Holmes, the team, and the fan base has only grown stronger as the Lions continue to develop and compete at a high level. The outpouring of support from fans across the city and beyond is a testament to the connection that Holmes has helped foster between the franchise and its loyal following.

As the Lions continue their journey toward success, Holmes’s personal battle with cancer is a reminder of the strength of both the man and the team. His resilience and leadership continue to inspire the entire organization, pushing them to achieve greatness in every game.