MINNEAPOLIS — In a game defined by backups, the Minnesota Vikings made a resounding statement. Without star rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy (high ankle sprain) and facing a Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati Bengals squad, the Vikings delivered a dominant 48-10 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium. The win, their biggest since a 50-10 rout of the Jaguars in 1998, was fueled by a historic defensive performance and a steady hand from a veteran quarterback.

For the first time in three years, Carson Wentz took the field as a starting QB, and he didn’t disappoint. The journeyman and former Eagles signal-caller was a model of efficiency, completing 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a passer rating of 129.8. Most importantly, he played mistake-free football, a stark contrast to his counterpart, Bengals quarterback Jake Browning, who threw two interceptions and was sacked four times.

“When you go back, and you really go back over the timeline when he’s been given a really good opportunity, normally he’s played really good football,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said of Wentz. “I was the least surprised person in the whole building today that he was able to go out there and effectively run our offense.”

Wentz’s calm leadership was a key factor, but the real fireworks came from an unexpected source. In a performance that will be etched in team history, cornerback Isaiah Rodgers put on a defensive masterclass. Rodgers, in his first season as a full-time starter, became the first player in NFL history to score two defensive touchdowns and force two fumbles in a single game. All of this came in the first half.

His remarkable day started with an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown after a Jake Browning pass was tipped by safety Harrison Smith, who was making his long-awaited debut.

“I’ve never seen nothing like that,” Vikings safety Joshua Metellus said. “I’m still lost for words. I don’t even know what I’ve seen, for sure. I kept thinking it was practice. It’s like, ‘There ain’t no way you touching the ball this much.’ He kept scoring touchdowns. It was crazy.”

Rodgers, a sixth-round pick in 2020 by the Colts who spent a year suspended for violating the NFL’s gambling policy, was a free-agent acquisition the Vikings signed in March. His exploits helped the Vikings build a commanding 34-3 halftime lead. After his first score, he had a message for his teammates on the sideline: “I’m telling everybody on the sideline that I’m not done yet.” He made good on that promise.

Minutes later, Rodgers forced a fumble from Bengals tight end Noah Fant and returned it 67 yards for his second touchdown. He followed that up on the Bengals’ next possession by punching the ball out of Ja’Marr Chase’s hands, setting up a 5-yard touchdown run by running back Jordan Mason. Mason, who had an excellent game with 116 rushing yards, was another key player in the Vikings’ high-flying offense.

Rodgers’ historic performance earned him a near-perfect PFF grade of 99.9, the highest ever for a defensive player. He, along with the return of star tackle Christian Darrisaw from injury, played a pivotal role in the Vikings’ big day.

With the win, the Vikings scored 40 points for only the second time since 2019. It was a rare offensive explosion for a team that has struggled to put up points in recent years. Coming into the day, only the Jets and Raiders had scored 40+ points fewer times than the Vikings over the last 15 years.

“I just knew that once I finally got my shot, whether it was Year 6, Year 10, that my time would come,” Rodgers said. “But I’ve just got to continue. I feel like today wouldn’t matter if I don’t respond next week and continue to keep going.”

The Vikings now find themselves tied for first in the NFC North as they prepare for a unique challenge. Their next game is in Dublin, Ireland, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wentz, who will remain the starter, summed up his feelings about the win simply: “All I can say is I had a blast out there.”