The Vikings’ QB Reality that Works Against a Specific Passer
The Vikings’ QB situation is one that has fascinated onlookers for a little while, in no small part due to ascendance of J.J. McCarthy.
Operating behind the promising sophomore are Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and Max Brosmer. The best guess remains that Howell is going to step into the QB2 job, a role that means he’ll be a single snap away from having the franchise on his shoulders. Who sticks around as the QB3 — a sneaky consequential role, as anyone who followed Minnesota’s 2023 season knows — is somewhat of a mystery.
The Vikings’ QB Reality Working Against Brett Rypien
If you’re bored, venture over to the Vikings’ website. More specifically, poke around the coaching bios to see who has a background as a quarterback before transitioning toward teaching the game.
Most, if not all, Vikings fans know that Kevin O’Connell was at one point an NFL quarterback. He was a 3rd-Round selection of the New England Patriots, invited to Massachusetts to be a backup to Tom Brady. Pretty quickly, O’Connell’s playing days ended, meaning he had to transition toward other ways to participate in the sport he clearly loves.
Most notably, he was the offensive coordinator of the Rams when they won the Super Bowl. Afterwards, Minnesota scooped him up to be the new sheriff in town.
One then thinks of Wes Phillips, who followed O’Connell to MIN from LA, to become the Vikings’ offensive coordinator. No, he didn’t get into the pros, but he did play college ball, meaning he was a very good football player. Check out how the team website describes his journey: “Phillips, who played quarterback, was a three-year letter winner at UTEP (1999-2001) and was part of the 2000 team that claimed a WAC title. He played in 11 games during his final year at the school, throwing for 1,839 yards and 10 touchdowns. Following his college career, he went to play for the San Diego Riptide in the AF2 Arena Football league.”
So, we’ve got O’Connell (the head coach) and Phillips (the offensive coordinator) with a background playing quarterback.
Next up is Josh McCown, the team’s QB coach who has been working to push J.J. McCarthy along. He, too, played quarterback, journeying around the NFL in a way that few ever have. Coach McCown played for all of the Cardinals, the Lions, the Raiders, the Dolphins, the Panthers, the 49ers, the Bears, the Buccaneers, the Browns, the Jets, the Eagles, and the Texans.
The head coach, the offensive coordinator, and the quarterback coach. All former QBs. Toss one more onto the pile.
Jordan Traylor is the assistant OC and assistant QB coach. Traylor’s playing background: “A native of Gilmer, Texas, Traylor played quarterback at Mississippi College (2012-13) before transferring to Texas A&M for the final two seasons of his collegiate career (2014-15).”
At a minimum, the Vikings’ QBs are being supported by a quartet of former quarterbacks on the coaching staff.
Apart from being a fun fact, what’s the significance?
Well, one wonders about Brett Rypien being given the assurance of a roster spot. J.J. McCarthy does need to be supported, equipped with football minds that can surround him to help raise his level of football wisdom. Is there enough already on the coaching staff?
Purely from an on-the-field perspective, Rypien doesn’t inspire a ton of optimism. He’s a depth quarterback who finds employment since he’s a great worker who understands the scheme at a high level. Could the team slide him down to the practice squad? Doing so would leave an opening for Brosmer, the UDFA rookie who has shown glimpses of upside and who could plausibly get signed by a different team were he allowed to get away from the 53-man roster.
Likewise, Rypien would be exposed to that same risk if he was cut with the intention of a practice squad assignment. If that were to occur — Rypien ends up on another team’s 53 — would the Vikings be able to get away with not having an older mentor since there are so many former quarterbacks working as coaches?
J.J. McCarthy is the top option. Who gets kept behind him is somewhat of a mystery through a pair of preseason games. One wonders if the coaching staff that’s loaded with former quarterbacks will be a factor when it comes to whether Mr. Rypien gets kept on the active roster.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
