This Minnesota team is a credit to coach O’Connell and his staff. They have overcome one obstacle after another since he took charge in 2022 and one of the latest was 2024 first-round draft pick McCarthy (ankle) adding to their injury woes after two games this season.
Another two players were sidelined last week, meaning three of the Vikings’ four starters on the offensive line were out for their trip to London.
Some of the fans who travelled from the US for the two-game jaunt feared the worse against arguably the NFL’s meanest defence and Cleveland forced two turnovers while conceding none.
Wentz was also sacked on successive drives in the final quarter, forcing the Vikings to attempt a field goal – which they missed – and then punt, yet they still prevailed.
“I’m so proud of [the offensive line], to do what they did today in a unique week over here,” said Wentz.
Minnesota dialled up a trick play to draw level in the first quarter, with running back Cam Akers stepping in at quarterback to make a touchdown pass to tight end Josh Oliver.
Jordan Mason then punched in a touchdown at the start of the third quarter to put the Vikings in front for the first time and Wentz, playing for his sixth team in six seasons, showed his experience by completing nine straight passes in the game-winning drive.
That saw him finish with 236 passing yards, 123 of them to star receiver Justin Jefferson, and sparked wild celebrations on the sideline as the Vikings improved their record to 3-2.
“It’s a very unique group of guys in this locker room, everybody is so close,” said 32-year-old Wentz.
“It’s hard to win in this league and when you get it done in a dramatic fashion like that, it doesn’t matter who you are playing, if it’s week 17, the Super Bowl, week one – you have to enjoy those moments, especially the guys who stepped up like that.”
