Kevin O’Connell sends a clear message about QB Kyler Murray’s future with the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings appear to be ride or die with Kyler Murray, whether it’s the right or wrong decision.
After the Minnesota Vikings suffered their first loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, the future of quarterback Kyler Murray was called into question by many. The Pioneer Press’ Dane Mizutani asked head coach Kevin O’Connell during his Monday press conference, “If he can turn over in time for Monday, are you guys committed to him as your starter?”
Without hesitation, O’Connell answered, “yes.”
It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that O’Connell was emphatic in his response. This was the path he chose, and there isn’t exactly a better option. We know it isn’t Carson Wentz or Max Brosmer, although a trade could be in the works that we aren’t aware of yet.
Kevin O’Connell sticks with Kyler Murray as the starting quarterback
This isn’t going to be the easiest one for fans to deal with. Murray has struggled mightily over the last two weeks, and even so, has put up a positive EPA/play in both games. The advanced metrics and box scores don’t suggest he’s bad, but the eye test is loaded with frustrations.
Against the Lions, there were multiple instances where Murray isn’t comfortable throwing to open wide receivers, and when one of them is Justin Jefferson, that is a problem.
I litigated this in-depth after the game, and I found myself asking this question: is O’Connell’s offense too smart for its own good?
“We see the concepts working down the field on the all-22, and how good O’Connell’s shot plays can be, especially the in-breaking concepts. It worked really well with Darnold under center, as he had the same kind of mentality that O’Connell did.
“However, the last two seasons have been disastrous on offense.
“McCarthy flashed some throws, but struggled to maintain composure in the pocket while those routes developed; some of those were muddy due to offensive line play. That has translated to whoever is playing quarterback. In fact, we often find O’Connell chasing these shot plays instead of focusing on moving the football and sustaining drives. Add in the lack of a successful rushing attack during his tenure, and we have a lot of major questions about what O’Connell actually does well.
“We were sold the “illusion of complexity” with O’Connell, and it makes a lot of sense, but when the simple elements aren’t there, how great is trying to fool the defense when it’s not being successful? The Vikings are 30th in EPA/play and 31st in success rate one season after being 21st in both categories, and 2025 was even worse in dropback EPA, ranking 28th in the league.
“When we look at what’s going on with the Vikings’ offense, Murray is going to get the blame, and it’s warranted, but are we missing the forest for the trees?”
It’s a long way of saying that O’Connell picked Murray and is going to stick with the horse he picked. Will it work? We have 10 weeks to find out.
