Kirk Herbstreit Criticizes Carson Wentz for Losing Composure During Vikings’ TNF Loss

The Minnesota Vikings have just three wins in seven games so far with crucial matchups awaiting in the next month, both home and away.

Kirk Herbstreit Criticizes Carson Wentz for Losing Composure During Vikings’ TNF Loss

Carson Wentz, Kirk Herbstreit (Images via Getty Images)

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The Minnesota Vikings had no answer for the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday. Quarterback Carson Wentz and his men stood stupified against the Chargers clad in black as their opponents pummeled them 37-10 at the SoFi Stadium.

The Chargers took control of the game way earlier when Justin Herbert and Oronde Gadsden II joined hands for a touchdown with four minutes left in the first quarter. While the Vikings joined the Chargers on the scoreboard, they were never able to catch their explosive opponents. In the hardly-fought lopsided battle, Wentz was abysmal.

The former Eagles QB completed 15 of his 27 passes for just 144 yards and one touchdown and one interception each. The Vikings’ offense sputtered throughout the night, producing only 34 rushing yards and 12 first downs- yet another day of the team’s ongoing offensive woes.

He was eventually replaced with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer after the veteran was sacked five times and looked visibly injured. After taking another hard hit that left him clutching his wrist in the fourth quarter, Wentz returned to the Vikings’ sideline visibly upset. He hurled his helmet in frustration, then sat on the bench, overcome with emotion and on the verge of tears.

That is when the NFL analyst Kirk Herbstreit had a few words that tread along the lines of being tone deaf when he ripped into the quarterback when he expressed some emotion from the injury fallout. The 56-year-old commentator from Ohio said that Wentz should have held back from being expressive.

When you’re the captain of the ship, you’re the quarterback, you gotta try to hold some of that emotion in. And I know he’s frustrated, and he’s hurt, but it’s Week 7. There’s a long way to go.

Herbstreit said

He added that it’s not okay for a quarterback to display such strong emotions as anger or frustration. He further noted that Wentz is supposed to be the leader and alpha of the team. The idea that visible emotion undermines authority sure took some back to the 1950s, when men were constantly asked to put themselves on emotional restraints and practice composure.

The practice of a stoic non-emotional attitude also fell in line with toxic masculinity, while the opposite has proven to be a powerful form of strength. Moreover, it is very mindful of the player’s mental health and reduces the amount of athlete exploitation.

J.J. McCarthy set to return as Vikings’ starting quarterback in Week 9 clash against Lions

After a string of disappointing performances and injury setbacks, the Minnesota Vikings are expected to reinstate J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback when they face the Detroit Lions in Week 9 at Ford Field. Reports from Minnesota indicate that McCarthy, who has been sidelined since Week 2 with a high ankle sprain, is on track to reclaim his spot under center.

JJ McCarthy
JJ McCarthy (Image via NBC Sioux Falls)

The rookie signal-caller, drafted 10th overall in 2024 out of Michigan, began the season with a 1–1 record before getting hurt in a loss to the Falcons. His replacement, veteran Carson Wentz, has struggled mightily, losing three of the five games he started. The mindset in Minnesota has always been to reinstate J.J. McCarthy as soon as he’s healthy.

If J.J. is healthy, J.J. will play. That’s been the case since the injury. That’s always been kind of my mindset, and I believe we’re right — hopefully — around the corner from seeing him be healthy, have a week of preparation, and go compete.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell said

McCarthy’s return is said to bring renewed hope to a Minnesota squad that has stumbled after a 14–3 campaign in 2024. Meanwhile, the Lions, who swept the Vikings last season en route to a 15–2 finish and NFC North title, will look to maintain their dominance. All eyes now turn to Week 9, where McCarthy’s comeback could determine whether Minnesota’s season gets back on track.

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