Numerous reports and also comments made by certain Minnesota Vikings players led outsiders to assume that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell would name free-agency signing Kyler Murray the team’s starting quarterback over 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy before the NFL’s summer break got underway this month.
Thus, some were surprised when O’Connell confirmed on Thursday that the competition for the starting job will continue when training-camp practices get underway in late July. For an article published on Friday, Vikings reporter Alec Lewis of The Athletic explained why it “shouldn’t come as a surprise” that O’Connell hasn’t yet made a final decision.
Neither Kyler Murray nor J.J. McCarthy looked great in springtime workouts?
“Over the five practices open to media members in recent weeks,” Lewis wrote, “neither player performed drastically better than the other. They split reps evenly. Both took snaps with the starting receivers and faced the expected starting defense. Each completed some impressive passes and missed some available receivers.”
Earlier in the week, Murray acknowledged that “the toughest part” about his current situation is that he is learning a new offense while splitting reps with McCarthy. The fact that McCarthy is more familiar with O’Connell’s offense was seemingly apparent during Minnesota’s mandatory minicamp.
“Murray’s arm talent surfaced early,” Lewis continued, “and McCarthy’s experience in the offense showed itself throughout the seven-on-seven sessions. Tuesday featured two Murray interceptions. Wednesday consisted mostly of red zone work, with few notable reps. Thursday’s practice saw the most seven-on-seven snaps, and Murray and McCarthy looked like they were feeling out (coordinator) Brian Flores’ defense.”
What’s next for Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy this summer?
It’s assumed Murray and McCarthy will spend at least some time throwing passes to teammates during workouts organized by the quarterbacks before players report for training camp. From there, the Vikings will start preparing for their preseason opener at the New York Giants on Aug. 15.
“Another layer to monitor is Murray’s scrambling ability,” Lewis added about what is to come for the Minnesota quarterbacks. “All of the Vikings’ spring and summer work has focused on rhythm and timing in the pocket. Murray’s athleticism adds another dimension O’Connell said he’s mindful of Keeping the competition going until late July will put a spotlight on McCarthy’s and Murray’s work habits. Murray will review the extensive volume of plays, reads and footwork. McCarthy must stay sharp with his fundamentals and mechanics.”
One would think that O’Connell would want to give the quarterbacks equal opportunities to sink and/or swim against the Giants. Perhaps O’Connell will use that contest as a final test before the winner of the competition is revealed.