Wentz Shines in Vikings Debut as Defense Dismantles Bengals in Historic Rout

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Carson Wentz returned to his home state with something to prove — and his new team gave him all the support he needed.

Making his debut as the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, Wentz led a dominant 48-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, thanks in large part to an explosive defensive performance by cornerback Isaiah Rodgers.

Rodgers made franchise history by scoring two defensive touchdowns and forcing three of Cincinnati’s five turnovers, setting the tone for what would become the Bengals’ worst loss in team history.

“Wearing the purple and gold, it means a little more to me personally,” said Wentz, who grew up a Vikings fan in North Dakota. “It was a ton of fun — and a ton of fun watching the defense play like that.”

Wentz, starting for an NFL-record sixth team in six consecutive seasons, showed poise and efficiency. He completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, hitting tight ends Josh Oliver and T.J. Hockenson for scores before handing off mop-up duties to rookie Max Brosmer in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings (2-1) dominated in every phase. Running back Jordan Mason racked up 116 yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries, while kicker Will Reichard drilled a 62-yard field goal as the first half ended — the longest in team history.

“It was one of those games where everything clicked,” said head coach Kevin O’Connell. “And I was the least surprised guy in the building that Carson could come in and run the offense that well.”

Signed just three weeks ago after rookie starter J.J. McCarthy went down with a sprained ankle, Wentz is expected to start at least one more game as McCarthy recovers.

On the other sideline, the Bengals (2-1) were in disarray.

Quarterback Jake Browning, starting in place of the injured Joe Burrow (toe surgery), was intercepted twice and fumbled once. He finished 19-of-27 for 140 yards and a garbage-time touchdown before being replaced by Brett Rypien.

The Bengals’ ground game was virtually nonexistent, mustering just 53 yards on 21 attempts. Through three games, Cincinnati has just 147 rushing yards on 61 carries — a dismal 2.4 yards per attempt.

“We got worked today. There’s no other way to say it,” said Browning. “You’ve got to sit in that and feel it.”

Browning had once exacted revenge on Minnesota in a 2023 overtime win and famously shouted, “They never should’ve cut me!” at a camera. Sunday’s blowout had a much different vibe.

Head coach Zac Taylor made no excuses.

“This was a collective failure,” Taylor said. “I didn’t see the O-line commit a single turnover. I saw five by everyone else. That’s on the team — not one unit.”

What’s Next

• Bengals: Travel to face the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, Sept. 29.
• Vikings: Head overseas to play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin next Sunday.