4 Quick Takeaways from the Vikings’ Week 4 Loss
The Minnesota Vikings are now 2-2 after dropping another contest. This time, it was the first international loss for the franchise after clinching the previous four attempts. The Pittsburgh Steelers prevailed in Dublin, Ireland.
4 Quick Takeaways from the Vikings’ Week 4 Loss
The Vikings ultimately lost 24-21. Here are five takeaways.
1. Carson Wentz is a backup.
Quarterback Carson Wentz is exactly what he was hired to be: He’s a backup. The passer delivered 30 of 46 passes for 350 yards, two touchdowns, and two picks. He made some nice throws, showcased some leftovers from his once-outstanding athleticism and led some solid drives.
Ultimately, however, he is a limited player in the year of 2025. Too inconsistent is his ball placement; he’s no longer fast enough to evade pass-rushers, and his decision-making isn’t always at the highest level. That’s the profile of a backup who can go in and win a game or two, but under no circumstances can lead a team to the Super Bowl. The turnovers were the difference in the game.
Once J.J. McCarthy is healthy, the Vikings should go back to him to see what he can do.
2. Jordan Addison is still a baller.
Wideout Jordan Addison caught four passes for 114 yards, including an 81-yarder on which he inexplicably got past the defense. He also caught another contested catch and is a fantastic weapon opposite of Justin Jefferson.
Addison was forced to watch the first three games of the season from the sideline, but he’s now back and immediately reclaimed his WR2 spot in the lineup.
3. The run defense might be a problem.
A couple of weeks ago, the Atlanta Falcons ran all over Brian Flores’ defense, and so did the Steelers, behind a six- or seven-man front, using extra linemen all day.
Kenneth Gainwell recorded career highs in attempts, yards, and touchdowns, and failing to stop a backup runner is a problem. Pittsburgh had 131 rushing yards, and Gainwell had an average of 5.2. The trade of Harrison Phillips is still raising questions.
4. The offensive line is in trouble.
It took the Vikings a decade to fix the offensive line, and once they fix it, everyone’s getting hurt. Ryan Kelly, who missed last week’s game with a concussion, is once again in concussion protocol. The veteran center now has five official concussions in his career, and that’s certainly alarming.
Right tackle Brian O’Neill left the game early with a knee injury. He was testing his knee on the sideline, but never returned. After the game, Kevin O’Connell informed the media that an MRI will determine the injury, but the MCL is a concern.
Backup center Michael Jurgens had a brief stint in the tent, but didn’t miss a snap, while rookie Donovan Jackson missed the game due to wrist surgery. Next week, the Vikings could be down to only Christian Darrisaw and Will Fries from their initial unit.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.