The Minnesota Vikings dominated in the 48–10 thrashing of the Cincinnati Bengals at the U.S. Bank Stadium. But the real story was under center. Carson Wentz, signed less than a month ago, replaced the second-year QB J.J. McCarthy and looked every bit the steady veteran the Vikings needed.

After the match, Wentz went on social media to share a heartfelt photo with his family.

He captioned it, “Yesterday hit a little different! Starting under center for my childhood team and having my whole crew there supporting me was such a blast and a blessing! Just another reminder that God’s got a plan and is the author of our story! Awesome team win on top of that. Such a fun and special group and glad to be a part of it! On to the next!”

That clear message reflected his play: calm, confident, and ready. With O’Connell naming him the starter again for Week 4 in Ireland against the Steelers, Wentz now has a chance to turn one strong start into something more. And if he keeps winning, Minnesota could face a quarterback dilemma sooner than expected.

Wentz didn’t try to do too much. He played clean, efficient football. He completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, his first turnover-free multi-score outing since 2021.

“I was the least surprised person in the whole building,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said, praising Carson Wentz’s poise and command of the offense.

The formula was straightforward. Wentz spread the ball, finding Josh Oliver and T.J. Hockenson for scores, while Jordan Mason punished the Bengals on the ground with 116 yards and two touchdowns.

Most importantly, Wentz avoided the costly errors that had plagued McCarthy’s first two starts.

For now, Carson Wentz has the reins. And with a defense forcing turnovers and an offense finally finding rhythm, his message was clear: he’s ready to lead, no matter how temporary the opportunity may be.

Vikings’ Isaiah Rodgers shatters records

Isaiah Rodgers just made history. The cornerback became the first player in Pro Football Focus’ era to record a perfect 99.9 single-game grade on at least 10 snaps. The performance came in Minnesota’s 48–10 demolition of the Bengals, and it wasn’t hype. The final review confirmed it.

Rodgers put together one of the most dominant defensive performances in NFL history, playing 41 snaps with impact against the run but absolute brilliance in coverage.

He delivered an 87-yard pick-six, a 66-yard fumble return touchdown, two forced fumbles, and a pass breakup in the end zone—all while holding Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to just one catch for two yards.

The effort earned him the highest defensive grade ever, surpassing Troy Reeder’s 98.3 in 2022 and even topping Matt Spaeth’s 99.1 as a tight end in 2012, cementing his place as the first player in league history with two defensive touchdowns and two forced fumbles in a single game.

For a corner who once served a year-long suspension, the redemption arc is undeniable. “My goodness, what a performance,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said.

Teammates were equally stunned. “I’m still lost for words,” safety Josh Metellus admitted. “Ain’t no way you touching the ball this much.”

Rodgers himself quickly turned the page. “That moment is stamped in history but also, it’s now gone to me. New week! Back to the lab,” he wrote.

Next stop: Ireland against the Steelers. With history in hand, Rodgers isn’t looking back.