Minneapolis, MN — Carson Wentz wasn’t expected to play a major role in Minnesota’s season opener. He was brought back largely because of his experience, serving as a veteran safety net behind Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy.
Instead, the 11th-year quarterback became the unlikely catalyst for one of the Vikings’ most dramatic comebacks under coach Kevin O’Connell.
Wentz entered in the first quarter after Murray suffered a concussion in his Minnesota debut and helped engineer a furious rally as the Vikings erased a 22-10 deficit to defeat the Green Bay Packers 39-22 on Sunday.
Minnesota closed the game with 29 consecutive points, turning what appeared to be a frustrating afternoon into a statement victory against its NFC North rival.
“That’s why he’s here,” O’Connell said of Wentz. “For him to come in and do what he did and just be part of that calming presence that allowed our team to continue playing, I can’t say enough about him.”
Wentz had limited time to familiarize himself with Minnesota’s extensive offensive system after returning to the team in a different role this season. But once he was called upon, his experience became invaluable.
He finished the afternoon with three touchdown passes and no turnovers, including two scoring strikes to Justin Jefferson. Those two touchdown receptions already matched Jefferson’s total from the entire 2025 season.
Wentz and Jefferson connected again when Minnesota grabbed its first lead, combining on a two-point conversion to make it 25-22 with 6:37 remaining.
From there, the Vikings never looked back.
Packers’ Defense Unravels
Green Bay appeared to have control of the game for much of the afternoon. Quarterback Jordan Love repeatedly found success against Minnesota’s aggressive blitz packages, finishing 21 of 42 for 387 yards and two touchdowns.
Both of Love’s touchdowns came in the first half on passes to Christian Watson.
But the Packers’ offense couldn’t maintain its early rhythm, and two costly turnovers in the second half helped fuel Minnesota’s comeback. Love lost a fumble after being sacked and later threw an interception deep in Packers territory.
Green Bay also struggled on third down, converting just 3 of 12 attempts.
The pivotal moment came when the Packers were stopped on fourth-and-1. Green Bay had the opportunity to extend.
