Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell addressed his decision to name Kyler Murray the starting quarterback over 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy on Tuesday.
“There are moments in time where you know there’s comfort from Kyler in the scheme,” O’Connell said. “He had some really high completion days where he was able to show some really, really good understanding of just putting the ball in play, playing with great timing, rhythm.”
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“In my opinion, he’s got the skill set and the abilities, not only just from a standpoint of accuracy, but his ability to affect the game with his athleticism. But he’s also proven to be smart, very hardworking and able to take in a lot of information.”
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Fans rushed to the comments section to share their reactions to O’Connell’s statement.
“This dude let Sam walk. That’s all that needs to be said,” a fan said.
“Stupid move, they always make the wrong decision on QB,” one fan commented.
“KOC is really good at using a lot of words to not really say much,” another fan added.
Here are some more reactions.
“This decision is so idiotic. Only plus side to it is that kyler will invariably get hurt and jj will get his shot,” a fan wrote.
“Hope he gets fired so sick of his lies,” one fan posted.
“He officially on the hot seat after pushing for McCarthy and letting Darnold and Cousins go,” another fan said.
O’Connell added that losing out on the starting job takes nothing away from McCarthy’s progress. The coach said that while the immediate outcome isn’t what the third-year QB hoped for, McCarthy is a cornerstone of Minnesota’s future.
J.J. McCarthy’s potential destinations after losing QB1 job to Kyler Murray
J.J. McCarthy might look to rebuild his career outside Minnesota after losing his Primary quarterback role to Kyler Murray. FanSided’s Mark Powell floated three potential landing spots for the Vikings QB.
Powell proposed a trade in which New York would send a fourth-round pick for McCarthy. While Geno Smith is expected to open the season as the starter, struggles during practice could force the Jets to reconsider their plans.
The Carolina Panthers are another surprising possibility. Carolina would also give up a fourth-round pick to bring in McCarthy as an upgrade over Kenny Pickett, who struggled in last week’s Hall of Fame Game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cleveland Browns round out the three potential destinations.
Edited by Nishant
