The Other Vikings QB to Earn a Promotion
Lately, there’s been plenty of discussion of Max Brosmer, the undrafted rookie who appears likely to start in Week 13. He’s the most obvious beneficiary (as cruel as that sounds) to J.J. McCarthy getting hurt. There’s another Vikings QB, though, who is soon to get bumped up.
Practice squad passer John Wolford is a near lock to be in shoulder pads for the Seattle game on Sunday. Affectionately referred to as a “psycho” by Wes Phillips, Wolford is in town due to his brains. He works hard and understands the game at a high level. He’s not employed to play even though he’s a football player; the task on Sunday will be to function as an emergency fill-in while helping Brosmer to sail through storm-tossed Seattle waters.
Vikings QB John Wolford Going to be Active
Put on your Kevin O’Connell cap and assume optimism.
Mr. McCarthy is currently in the concussion protocol. He clears the hurdles in short order, getting back to complete health in time for Sunday. Even in that (unlikely) scenario, Minnesota is a near certainty to ensure that Mr. Wolford is active. Going into the game where a freshly-healthy McCarthy alongside rookie Brosmer are the only available arms would be malpractice.
So, the chance of seeing Wolford on the sidelines with a helmet on appears to be a locked-in reality.
The veteran got added to Minnesota’s practice squad after much quarterback turmoil. Most obviously, there was the season-ending injury to Carson Wentz, creating a clear need for a veteran shepherd. Wolford makes a lot of sense as someone who has been around the NFL and who has a history with Minnesota’s coaching staff.
The 30-year-old passer stands at 6’1″ and weighs 218 pounds. John Wolford is a Super Bowl champion from his days as a Rams backup. Note, as well, that he has earned opportunities with the Jets, Buccaneers, and Jaguars. Soaking up coaching in all of these locations better equips him to function as solid depth in the Twin Cities.
What’s in store for Minnesota’s passers on Sunday?
On Sunday, the task is going to involve running plenty. Consider some of the details about what Minnesota’s running game has done in too few opportunities.
Leading the way is Jordan Mason. His 116 carries have become 531 yards and 5 touchdowns. The 4.6 yards-per-carry average is unusually efficient for an O’Connell offense. Note, as well, that he has converted on 33 first downs and has 12 receptions for 44 scoreless yards.
Meanwhile, Aaron Jones — who, in fairness, spent time on the IR — has turned 61 carries into 297 yards for 1 touchdown (4.9 YPC average). The veteran RB1 doesn’t pack the same wallop within his shoulder pads as Mason, but he runs hard.
Arguably most promising within the on-field effort from Jones is that he’s a strong pass blocker and he has 16 catches for 128 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. Sprinkle in lots of leadership for Jones and it’s easy to see the appeal.
Feed these two. Goodness, even sprinkle in RB3 Zavier Scott, the young runner with impressive size and silky mitts.
Whoever is throwing the football — McCarthy, Brosmer, and/or Wolford — needs to be able to hand off the ball early and often. Seeing anything less than a healthy run/pass split that’s (at minimum) sitting at 50/50 would be remarkably foolish.
John Wolford’s job on Sunday beings with being great support. A sober second thought who can function as a coach (of sorts) to the inexperienced Max Brosmer is what’s desired. Seeing Wolford take the field would be a sure sign that things have gone very, very poorly.
Kickoff for the upcoming Vikings at Seahawks game is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT.
