McCarthy Focusing on Himself, Murray Offering Guidance in Vikings’ QB Competition

Despite competing for the starting job, Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray aren’t treating each other like enemies.

The Vikings signed the veteran Murray to compete with the third-year pro McCarthy in a battle of former first-round picks. Two days into organized team activities, the competition has begun in earnest. Speaking to reporters after practice on May 27, McCarthy said he was laser-focused on his own process, while Murray said he was willing to help McCarthy however he could.

McCarthy struck an indifferent tone when asked about his feelings on the team signing Murray.

“Look, the organization made a decision that they feel like is going to improve and the depth and the quality of the room,” he said. “All I’m thinking about is continuing the upward trajectory that I set for myself last season, that last quarter of the season, and continuing to be the best version of me every single day.”

McCarthy said he is working on developing his processing, decision-making, and ball placement, with a particular emphasis on ball placement for each route a wide receiver runs against different coverages. He said he was watching film and getting physical reps with his receivers.

“Every single offseason, in season, I’m going to work my tail off,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what the situation is around me. I’m going to control what I can control and do the best thing I can for this team.”

McCarthy said he was told by head coach Kevin O’Connell that it is a true competition for the starting job, but reaffirmed that he was focused on himself.

McCarthy was then asked about his interactions with Murray and whether there was any awkwardness between them because of the competition.

“You know, it’s just like two guys in a classroom. He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach us and coach us … Awkwardness, it’s just like the same feeling. You know when you’re in high school, and there’s another person on the other side of the room? That’s just kind of how it is. So, I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness,” he said.

McCarthy struggled early in the season, going 1–1, throwing for a total of 301 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in his first two starts, before he missed the next 6 weeks with a high ankle sprain. He went 1-3 in his next 4 starts after coming back from injury, then missed another game due to a concussion. But he finished the season 4-0. He totaled a 6-4 record as a starter, completing 140 for 243 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He added 37 carries for 181 yards and 4 TDs.

McCarthy was asked by a reporter whether he felt the end of the season should have justified his retaining the job, and whether he was disappointed about it.

“Then I would be disappointed if the rain fell. That’s out of my control. And at the end of the day, I’ve just got to focus on what I can do to be the best quarterback for this football team,” he said.

Murray, on the other hand, said he was more than willing to provide McCarthy with guidance.

“It’s been great,” Murray said of his relationship with McCarthy. “Obviously, I know he’s a younger guy, so any way I can help him. Obviously, I feel like, 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.”

Murray also had high praise for McCarthy’s coachability and receptiveness to critiques from his coaching.

“He’s overly acceptive, and he’s always communicating, asking questions, stuff like that,” said Murray. “So, it’s been good.”

The Vikings’ superstar wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, is looking forward to the competition.

“Just competition, for real,” he told NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football“ earlier this month. “Just to see, who’s gonna be that last man standing, who’s gonna be ’that dawg’, who’s gonna be that leader to carry us throughout the season? Because that is definitely a missing piece that we’re looking for and something that is very important to our team, which is the quarterback spot.