Kyler Murray Doesn’t Seem to Like Splitting QB1 Reps
Vikings QBs Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are slowly travelling to the depths of the offseason, where their duel to decide QB1 will take place.
A lot of people assumed that since the Vikings signed Kyler Murray, there will be no true competition for the starting spot. This led many to come to the defense of McCarthy, accusing the Vikings of moving on too early. If this really was what the Vikings were doing (to be fair, we can’t completely say they aren’t yet), then sure, it would probably be a bit unfair to the kid.
However, it doesn’t sound like that’s what’s happening during today’s mandatory minicamp installment. The Vikings advertised a true and fair QB competition ever since the acquisition of Murray, and so far, they’re holding to their word.
Kyler Murray Struggles During Tuesday OTAs
Cardinals Vs Vikings
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert provided some coverage on Kyler Murray during Tuesday’s activities, detailing some instances of trouble for the veteran QB between the lines of a sharp day.
“Murray was sharp for much of Tuesday’s mandatory minicamp session, but he did throw consecutive interceptions during 7-on-7 drills that reminded observers that he is adjusting to new teammates and an offensive system.“
Seifert clarified the circumstances of Murray’s interceptions on Tuesday.
“His first interception Tuesday appeared to result from a miscommunication with tight end Gavin Bartholomew, who broke to the outside just as Murray threw a pass toward the middle of the field and into the hands of safety Theo Jackson. The other was a pass down the middle that sailed over the hands of receiver Jauan Jennings and was snagged by cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.”
These struggles should be expected of a QB getting used to a new offensive system, especially one like Kevin O’Connell deploys. Both QBs know that they must make the most of every single opportunity while they are getting snaps. This is something that Kyler Murray touched on during his presser after Tuesday’s drills.
Kyler Murray Calls Out Lack of First-Team Reps
Kyler Murray wasn’t shy about calling out his lack of first-team reps and how that could be detrimental to his understanding of the offense.
“I was [in Arizona] for seven years. I know I had two different offensive systems, but at the same time, you’re getting all those reps. Now I have these split reps. It’s me already being behind, not getting the amount of reps that you would typically want a guy to get learning an offense. That’s probably the toughest part.”
Murray is technically correct, as understanding of an offense comes with repetition. However, Murray should’ve expected this coming in, and he probably did. Actually hearing the quote, it’s not too bad, and it can come off a little different if you only read it, so it’s worth taking a listen.
The splitting of first-team reps is no shock, unless you subscribed to the theory that Kevin O’Connell straight-up decided to replace McCarthy with Murray with no rightful competition. Still, it’s too early to determine anything. As the offseason progresses, and we get into training camp and joint practices, this is when the real plans will come to light.
McCarthy isn’t out of it yet, but there’s a tall mountain to climb.
