Vikings’ Former Rival Calls Out Kevin O’Connell ‘Slip-up’
The Vikings have had quite the offseason when it comes to offseason media appearances from quarterbacks and coaches.
J.J. McCarthy went under fire for his comments on the relationship between he and fellow signal caller Kyler Murray. McCarthy equated the situation to two students being in a classroom together. This looked quite bad when compared to Murray’s take on the situation. Murray was much more open and had nice things to say about McCarthy.
“It’s been great. I know he’s a younger guy. So, any way I can help him. Obviously, I’ve played seven years now, going on eight, so I’m considered a veteran, even though I don’t see myself as that.
Give him any knowledge that he needs. Again, we’re both competitors, and I know we both want what’s best for the team.”
Quite the contrary from McCarthy’s comments that made it sound like they don’t even talk to each other.
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell Has a Bit of a Slip-Up
O’Connell was asked how J.J. McCarthy had been handling the competition around a week after McCarthy’s “classroom” comments.
“He’s been great in the meeting room, he’s been great on the grass and as always he’s, as a former – as a captain and a guy that helps lead our team, he’s been phenomenal there as well,“
It seems like quite the slip-up from O’Connell regarding J.J. McCarthy. You could argue that just maybe this is nothing. However, former Saints tackle Terron Armstead thinks there might be something there, as he explained on Good Morning Football on the NFL Network.
“It’s a slip, but is it? You have to vote every year, and there’s a process to it. Starting quarterback spot and the captain position, he’s most likely included with those five, six guys. So to have that uncertainty, to have that word slip, it’s not for nothing.“
If McCarthy is to lose the QB competition as most people think he will, then it is likely that he “loses” the Captain label. That label would obviously go to Murray, as the team’s starting QB is traditionally one of the offensive captains. For Kevin O’Connell to seemingly catch himself slipping up a bit and correcting himself on it is certainly something to take a note of.
J.J. McCarthy Not Going Down in Vikings QB Competition Without a Fight
One thing that no one can really question is J.J. McCarthy’s will to win. He’s always shown that he isn’t afraid to back down in the brightest moments throughout his football career. even if he’s had a shaky game up until that point.
This QB competition is no different, and it’s probably fair of him to take the straight-business approach to answering questions from the media regarding he and Murray’s relationship. The job that was meant for him in the long-term is now under fire. It’s fair to ask why he would feel the need to be super “nice” about the situation at hand.
This may also be exactly what the Vikings want. Competition brings out the best in people, and especially athletes. The Vikings could want McCarthy to have that chip on his shoulder, and to show up to work everyday ticked off.
Murray drives McCarthy, and McCarthy drives Murray. At the end, the best man wins. That is the best possible outcome for the Minnesota Vikings.
