Kevin O’Connell Updates QB1 Race
The Minnesota Vikings have kicked off their 2024 training camp. On Sunday, 38 players reported, including all rookies and the entire QB crew. The remaining players will join their peers on Tuesday. In training camp, the players compete for the 53 roster spots and the additional 16 practice squad positions. There isn’t a clear and obvious QB1 for the first time in a decade.
Kevin O’Connell Updates QB1 Race
Competing will be Sam Darnold, a 2024 free-agent addition, and J.J. McCarthy, the tenth overall pick in April’s draft.
At which point rookie quarterbacks should enter the starting lineup is a fascinating conversation with varying opinions. Perhaps the best answer is that every situation is different, and there’s no blueprint. Some players in the draft are more ready for the next level, while others require some learning first. In addition to that, the veteran passers also range from borderline Pro Bowlers like Kirk Cousins in Atlanta to Tyson Bagent, who should remain Chicago’s backup.
In Monday’s training camp opening presser, head coach Kevin O’Connell was expectedly asked about his shiny rookie.
I have no preconceived, preset depth chart in my mind beyond, I believe I said at the end of spring, Sam was the number one quarterback. Sam had a great spring. J.J. came in here after being drafted and had a really productive spring as well. So, my message to those guys is I want a really competitive situation. Sam will be taking the majority of his reps with that first group, but I think you’ll see J.J. maybe get some as well. But also, it’s about the quality as much as the volume of those reps throughout camp.
Kevin O’Connell
Throughout the last three months, everyone involved has discussed Darnold as the first option, implying that McCarthy is getting more time to develop. That cautious approach is ironically exactly what Darnold didn’t have in his rookie season with the Jets, which resulted in him carrying his flaws into future years.
Managing an exciting young prospect requires patience, but O’Connell emphasized that he is willing to wait.
Our decision to bring J.J. here was all out of the belief that we feel that we can put together a plan that helps him become the best player and best quarterback that hopefully he can become. I don’t know if it’s the former quarterback in me, but I will not allow any factors outside of what’s best for J.J. and what’s best to help the Minnesota Vikings win.
Kevin O’Connell
It’s quite obvious that McCarthy is an investment for the future. The decision-makers want him to become a true franchise quarterback, so waiting another year is not as big a deal compared to potential long-term benefits.
McCarthy led his Michigan Wolverines to the National Championship. The running game opened the door, although his clutch play on third downs throughout the season shouldn’t be forgotten. He comes with an exciting arm that has already drawn a ton of praise, and his mobility adds another dimension to the offense after six years with Kirk Cousins under center.
Darnold arrived in Minnesota with a resume of five years with subpar production and one season as Brock Purdy’s backup in San Francisco. The theory is that he can improve his play with better surroundings, and Minnesota’s offense can offer that.
One legendary Viking, Randy Moss, endorsed the rookie QB for Week 1’s matchup against the New York Giants last week: “My thing is, when we played, the first three guys that drafted — they’re playing. There’s no if, ands, or buts about it. Now, the 5th and 6th rounds, we’ll see. May or may not see the field. Maybe a special teamer. First three rounds back then were played. Now, we’re drafting guys in the 1st Round, and they’re not even seeing the field. To answer your question — I don’t care if he’s not ready. He needs to be out there. Week 1.”
That kind of “back in my day” talker should always be taken with a grain of salt. When the Vikings drafted Daunte Culpepper in 1999, they redshirted him his entire rookie season, which would obviously land in the “when we played” timeline.
Regardless, the Vikings will remain cautious with their costly investment, but if he can light up training camp, O’Connell might change his mind.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt