Whether it was Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton or Eli Manning the Vikings defense has harassed, chased and pounded opposing quarterbacks all season long.
Next up is none other than the top of this year’s rookie class – former North Dakota State standout Carson Wentz.
Through five games, he is one of two or three serious candidates for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Wentz has completed 65 percent of his passes for 1,186 yards and 7 touchdowns.
The most telling stat for Wentz is that through his first five NFL games, he has thrown just 1 interception.
Mike Zimmer told reporters Monday he’s been impressed by what he has seen from the Bismarck native.
“I think he’s done a really good job,” Zimmer said. “It seems like he understands where the ball’s going quickly.”
Zimmer highlighted Wentz’s ability to avoid pressure as one of the rookie’s strengths. However, on Sunday against Washington Wentz was under siege.
In his first 4 games, Carson Wentz was sacked 7 times.. Yesterday, Washington had 5 sacks.. Next up – The Vikings outstanding Defense
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) October 17, 2016
Wentz completed just 11 passes against the Redskins, and for the first time all season he failed to throw a touchdown pass. In addition to the five sacks, Philly.com notes he took 11 other hits in the game.
Now – with the Vikings coming in – is certainly not the time for Philadelphia to be having pass protection issues.
With the heat he’s likely to face on Sunday from the Vikings, avoiding his second or third interception of the season might be the biggest challenge of his NFL career to date.
