J.J. McCarthy starts for Vikings, struggles against Ravens before being replaced by Carson Wentz

Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy started the game against the Baltimore Ravens and completed five of 10 passes for 81 yards in the opening quarter. He missed two potential touchdowns, first on the opening snap when he failed to connect with Myles Price on the sideline and later on a short pass near the end zone. McCarthy was sacked once and took several hits, appearing to wince after the final drive, according to the Ravens broadcast.

"We want to make sure we put our best foot forward and give the team a chance to win," coach Kevin O'Connell said after the game, indicating that Carson Wentz would enter in the second quarter and could challenge for the backup role. Wentz took over in the second quarter as O'Connell kept his options open for the quarterback position.