RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesThe Minnesota Vikings aren't rushing to name a clear-cut leader in their quarterback competition as training camp gets underway.
Speaking with the media on Tuesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell outlined the team's approach to evaluating both quarterbacks, revealing that J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray will each receive opportunities with both the first-team and second-team offense throughout camp.
"Both Kyler and JJ will take reps with the first team," O'Connell said. "They will also take reps with the second group."
Rather than allowing one quarterback to work exclusively with the ones, Minnesota plans to rotate both signal-callers through each unit. The approach is basically to give the coaching staff a more complete evaluation while ensuring each quarterback is exposed to a variety of situations during camp. Additionally, they'll both get to build chemistry with the team's best playmakers.
O'Connell stressed that the Vikings are focused on creating what he described as "an elevator" at the quarterback position. A philosophy focused on raising the overall level of play regardless of which quarterback is under center.
"We want an elevator at the quarterback position," O'Connell said. "In many ways, doing that in this system is kind of a do-your-job mentality, which is running the show, throwing completions and just showing the ability to execute our offense with comfort."
His comments highlight the Vikings' emphasis on consistency over flash. Rather than prioritizing splash plays or highlight-reel throws, Minnesota's coaching staff is looking for a quarterback who can efficiently operate the offense and make sound decisions.
By rotating both quarterbacks, O'Connell also eliminates one of the variables that can skew evaluations. Each player will have equal opportunities to throw to the same receivers, work behind the same offensive line and face similar defensive looks, giving the coaching staff a more balanced comparison.
The decision to also have both quarterbacks take snaps with the second unit further reinforces the Vikings' desire to evaluate leadership and adaptability. Quarterbacks are often asked to elevate the players around them, and working with multiple groups provides another opportunity to demonstrate those qualities despite not being with the ones.
Training camp competitions at quarterback often become one of the biggest storylines around the league, and Minnesota's situation will be no different. Every practice, preseason game and team period will provide additional insight into how the coaching staff views the battle and whether one quarterback begins separating himself from the other.
For now, however, O'Connell appears content to let the competition develop naturally. His message was clear: the Vikings aren't looking for a quarterback to do everything, they're looking for one who consistently does the little things well.
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