Kyler Murray saw his first quasi-meaningful action as a member of the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday at the New York Giants, and for the most part, he looked productive on one drive. Ironically, though, Murray’s most important play at MetLife Stadium was an incomplete pass to halfback Aaron Jones.
It proved he needs preseason reps in a new offense and prompted a learning moment that will carry into the regular season, which is four weeks away.
The Incompletion Minnesota Needed to See
Incomplete Pass Proves Murray Needs Exhibition Action
Not long ago, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t play starters at all during the preseason, preferring a fully healthy starting lineup over the risk of Week 1 rust. Those days are over, sans Justin Jefferson, who has never played in a preseason game.
On a 1st Quarter Third Down, Murray attempted a pass to Jones, but it fell incomplete, as both men were not on the same page. Murray and Jones each interpreted the route differently, a common timing and communication breakdown that often remains concealed at training camp. The preseason brought the gaffe to life.
Murray said of the play, “I saw it one way, he saw it another way, but at the end of the day, you know, I know we make that play. And that’s the stuff that you can’t replicate.”
Although Minnesota settled for a field goal, this miscue gave Murray and Jones a tangible point to correct before September, making the failed conversion perhaps more valuable than a routine completion.
If not now for a mundane incompletion, when?
An Incompletion in the Preseason Is Not Important in the Grand Scheme
The cool part? Nobody in the world cares that Murray missed Jones. Fans shrugged in the moment and said, “Oh well.” It will not be remembered.
So, the Vikings’ offense received a learning opportunity this preseason. While Murray and Jones later resolved the miscommunication, Minnesota still secured three points, and it didn’t even count toward the regular season. Murray also admitted the offense was disappointed it didn’t score a touchdown. He knows the standard is higher.
And that frustration now helps because it lets Minnesota thoroughly analyze the mistake. Murray and Jones can prevent a sequel in the regular season – – when it counts.
Murray added, “I don’t think you can replicate it. You know, I think that we got joint practice versus the Ravens. We got to be really competitive and good for us, but at the end of the day, when you’re out there and when the lights are bright, it’s who can perform and who can’t.”
All about Synchronization
Murray was always going to need time to get on the same page as his pass-catchers and offensive line. That’s how it works for any new quarterback; the Vikings’ offense is supersized because of O’Connell’s complex scheme.
Murray can grasp the playbook intellectually, but still needs live reps to build shared instincts. It helps that O’Connell put the QB1 emblem on his chest last week, as he can now take all QB1 snaps at practice and at joint practices against the Baltimore Ravens in a few days. Murray, not J.J. McCarthy, is in charge of the Vikings’ offense. Full stop.
Minnesota’s new signal-caller also thoroughly enjoyed himself, telling reporters after the win, “Dude, I’ve never been more excited to play a preseason game, you know, just because like I said, I haven’t played since October.”
“So just really taking advantage of the opportunity, seeing it as a blessing and just coming out here getting to touch the field again.”
Some have criticized Murray for aloof behavior in the past. That wasn’t the case after his first outing in Minnesota. The guy was all smiles.
The Necessary Outcome
Playing Murray during the preseason was a bit risky due to the injury gamble – – Jamal Adams can attest – – but Saturday proved it paid off. Murray hadn’t played since October and is learning a totally new offensive system for the first time in his NFL career. A quick series let him experience Minnesota’s operation and even spot a mistake he could fix. The experience is far more valuable in August than attempting to shield him from every less-than-perfect snap.
Preseason was created for this exact reason.
───────────── ─────────────
VikesNow Verdict: One failed third down exposed a communication detail Minnesota can now correct. That’s precisely why O’Connell put his new quarterback on the field in August.
───────────── ─────────────
About The Author
