Kyler Murray highlights the most difficult part of the Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition
One thing people don’t always talk about regarding a quarterback competition is the learning curve there can be.
The Minnesota Vikings are firmly entrenched in their quarterback competition with J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray. With mandatory minicamp having begun, it’s going to get even more attention this week.
So far, head coach Kevin O’Connell has done a lot to keep this an even competition, splitting reps between them. It doesn’t necessarily matter either way right now who gets the first or second-team reps, but it will once we get fully entrenched in training camp.
Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy Competition
- The Vikings made it clear it was a genuine quarterback competition between the two after they signed Murray in March.
- During practices available to the media, members of the beat has consistently mentioned the aspect of Murray being much more talented.
- Throughout the summer, both quarterbacks have been given relatively equal reps.
Kyler Murray claims toughest part about competition is splitting reps
We got to hear from both quarterbacks on Tuesday afternoon after practice, and they gave some thoughtful answers about the competition. The most intriguing one from Murray describing the difficulties of the competition.
“I think the toughest part is having to split reps. It’s me already being behind, not getting the amount of reps that you know you would typically want to, gotta get learning an offense. That’s probably the toughest part. Again, going back to the past, being in control of everything, understanding what we were already doing, because I was comfortable within the system. Now, [I] come to new system, learning on the fly, trying to play fast, efficient, and then let it loose while learning. That’s the toughest part.”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray
It’s not something that gets talked about enough. It would be one thing if Murray had been entrenched in the scheme like McCarthy has been, but he’s having to compete while learning it. We heard McCarthy today talk about how things are becoming second nature for him, and that’s just not the case yet for Murray after being on the team for just under three months.
“[I] think things being instinctual when you hear it, you know, being able to pop into your mind very clear and very fast, and that helps a lot with just playing instinctual out there, and you know, making the right plays when the balls snap.”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy
If Murray can get more comfortable with the offense over the next six weeks, it will go a long way toward deciding the competition.