Carson Wentz leads Vikings comeback over Packers, earns bonus after Murray injury
In the NFL's opening week, backup quarterback Carson Wentz rallied the Minnesota Vikings to a 39-22 comeback win over the Green Bay Packers after starter Kyler Murray left with a concussion, and the win also secured Wentz a $100,000 bonus.
Packers' collapse
The Green Bay Packers led 22-10 late in the third quarter on Sunday before surrendering 29 unanswered points to lose 39-22 to division rival Minnesota Vikings. Head coach Matt LaFleur's decisions late in the game have drawn scrutiny: after Minnesota cut the deficit with a field goal, LaFleur declined an offside penalty and went for it on 4th-and-1, but quarterback Jordan Love's sneak was stopped short. According to The Milwaukee Courier, the Vikings benefited from officiating calls on three consecutive third downs during the drive that put them ahead.
Love finished 21-of-42 for 387 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, but a fumble and an interception on Green Bay's final two possessions sealed the loss. Receivers Christian Watson (147 yards, six catches, two touchdowns, including an 81-yard score in the first quarter) and Matthew Golden had strong performances. The Packers were already missing Micah Parsons and Josh Jacobs, who are expected to remain out for several more weeks.
Wentz steps in for injured Murray
Minnesota lost starting quarterback Kyler Murray early in the game after he suffered a head injury and was ruled out with a concussion. Backup Carson Wentz took over and threw three touchdown passes without an interception, completing 12 of 19 attempts for 133 yards. Former Packers running back Aaron Jones scored what became the go-ahead touchdown on a drive that, according to multiple sources, again benefited from favorable officiating.
A bonus for Wentz
Per Spotrac's Michael Ginnitti, the win over the Packers triggered a $100,000 bonus for Wentz, who is eligible for that amount each time he plays at least 60% of the snaps in a game his team wins, up to six times, after which the bonus rises to $150,000 for each of the next six wins. Wentz, the second overall pick in the 2016 draft, signed a one-year, $3 million deal with Minnesota. The victory leaves the Vikings as the only team in the NFC North with a 1-0 record, and Wentz is expected to remain the starter next week against Chicago while Murray recovers, with J.J. McCarthy serving as backup.
Green Bay next plays at the New York Jets on September 20.
