Are you worried about Kyler Murray’s ability to run the Minnesota Vikings’ offense because it’s complex and he’s never done it? It’s time to get rid of that fear, according to head coach Kevin O’Connell.
At the Vikings’ press conference to start training camp, O’Connell downplayed any shortcomings about Murray’s fit in Minnesota’s offense.
Why O’Connell Isn’t Worried about Murray Learning His Offense
The Money Quote from O’Connell
You might fear Murray’s ability to learn the Vikings’ offense, but O’Connell does not.
“There’s really not going to be a lot that he’s hearing for the first time,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
“He’s going to be hearing things that he’s already practiced or at least, you know, maybe not at the full speed variety, but he’s been in the huddle call on these plays. He’s done a really nice job with that.”
Minnesota grabbed Murray from free agency in March, costing the franchise just $1.3 million because the Arizona Cardinals paid him $36.8 million to go away.
O’Connell added, “Our offense is maybe different than what he’s been accustomed to. But what I will say is we also want to make sure we’re running an offense that’s comfortable and something where a quarterback has a lot of confidence that they can go be the best versions of themselves in this offense.”
Those comments suggest that O’Connell could tweak the offense to fit Murray – – not the other way around.
Would O’Connell Really Pick a Bad Fit for His Offense?
There’s also O’Connell’s expertise and job security to consider. He had a range of options this offseason – – finding a way to acquire Mac Jones or Geno Smith via trade, signing Malik Willis from free agency, or drafting another quarterback – – but landed on Murray as his primary remedy.
What would drive O’Connell to choose a quarterback who’s a bad scheme fit and one that won’t perhaps lead Minnesota back to the postseason? Just for funsies? No – – that’s not how the NFL works. O’Connell onboarded Murray with a purpose, and in that vein, it’s no surprise that he’s unconcerned with Murray’s progress learning the offense.
Murray has been in the NFL for seven seasons and played under two head coaches. While it will take time to find his footing, he’s not learning a totally foreign beast.
The GM Likes Murray’s Off-Schedule Playmaking
The Vikings’ new general manager, Nolan Teasley, sat beside O’Connell at Tuesday’s press conference, and he, too, weighed in on Murray, complimenting his improv skills.
“He was the number one pick for a reason. It’s not just about what he can do with his arm, and we all know that he can operate on schedule, and I was excited about the potential of seeing him in this system,” Teasley said.
“Then how we were going to complement it with the run game. Rarely do things go as planned in the National Football League. And so it’s the extension of the play, and what he can do, you know what he can do in that arena, when he can create as well.”
Murray is one of the fastest quarterbacks in NFL history and immediately becomes the fastest starter in Vikings franchise history, so long as he wins the QB1 job at training camp. O’Connell and Teasley should see plenty of Murray’s off-schedule playmaking as early as Week 1.
Must Win the Battle First
Of course, Murray has work to do. In the same conversation, O’Connell affirmed the QB1 battle between Murray and J.J. McCarthy begins on equal footing – – both men have a 50/50 split of reps with first-teamers. O’Connell claimed to have a date in mind as a benchmark for naming a QB1, but he did not disclose it. Murray has a couple of weeks to keep McCarthy at bay, as McCarthy is presumably ready to show off his improved mechanics and overall maturation.
Minnesota also has Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer in the quarterback room this season, though those two are expected to fill QB3 and QB4 roles, respectively.
Murray has about six weeks to get ready for the bright lights of the QB1 job, and from O’Connell’s lips, Murray is not fighting a ginormous learning curve.
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VikesNow Verdict: Murray still has to beat McCarthy for the job, but learning O’Connell’s offense may not be the obstacle some expected. Minnesota appears convinced that Murray’s experience and improvisational ability can translate right away.
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