Vikings QB Preseason Debuts
Kyler Murray Leads Scoring Drive, J.J. McCarthy Delivers Mixed Performance for Vikings
Kyler Murray made a strong first impression as the Minnesota Vikings' new starting quarterback, leading the team to points on his opening drive in a preseason game against the New York Giants, according to Ledger-Enquirer. The drive covered 54 yards on 10 plays, with Murray's best moment coming on a clutch third-and-7 completion that kept the chains moving.
Backup J.J. McCarthy also saw action but had a rougher outing. Three of his drives ended in punts, and he was sacked on his final snap when running back Zavier Scott was pushed back into his lap, according to Macon.com.
Murray Leads Vikings to Points on First Drive
Murray wasted no time showing why the Vikings traded for him. He orchestrated a 10-play, 54-yard scoring drive on his very first possession as Minnesota's starter, according to Kansas City Star. The drive leaned on the team's reconfigured run game, with Murray's third-and-7 completion standing out as the key play.
Some of the offensive struggles during the game were beyond Murray's control, Island Packet noted. The Vikings still looked sharp enough in his limited time to give fans reason for optimism heading into the regular season.
McCarthy Battles Through Rough Preseason Reps
McCarthy's debut was far from clean. He punted on three straight drives and never found a real rhythm with the offense, according to Mahoning Matters. His best moment came on a 17-yard completion to wide receiver Myles Price, which gave a glimpse of his potential downfield.
The low point came on his final snap. Scott was shoved backward into McCarthy's lap, forcing him to scramble. Linebacker Micah McFadden then brought him down for the sack, according to Ledger-Enquirer. It was a play that summed up a difficult afternoon for the young quarterback.
Coach O'Connell Points to Miscommunication Issues
Head coach Kevin O'Connell addressed some of the offensive misfires after the game. He suggested that miscommunication was behind at least one breakdown between Murray and a receiver, according to Macon.com. Preseason games often expose timing issues, especially with a new starting quarterback running a new system.
O'Connell did not seem alarmed by the early hiccups. Preseason is designed to identify exactly these kinds of problems. The Vikings have time to clean things up before the games start to count.
What Murray's Arrival Means for Minnesota's Offense
Murray joined the Vikings after years as Arizona's starter. His dual-threat ability — he can hurt defenses with both his arm and his legs — gives Minnesota's offense a new dimension, according to Kansas City Star. The Vikings are betting that he can be the missing piece for a team with playoff ambitions.
McCarthy, a former first-round pick, remains the team's quarterback of the future. But right now, Murray is clearly QB1. How the two develop together through camp and preseason will be one of the biggest stories to watch in Minnesota this summer, Island Packet reported.
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