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'Already being behind’: Kyler Murray sounds off on Vikings QB battle with J.J. McCarthy

The high-stakes quarterback competition for the Minnesota Vikings is already producing some noteworthy moments and quotes at mandatory minicamp. Following a recent practice session where two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray threw interceptions on back-to-back plays, the veteran quarterback bluntly admitted to one area of struggle in the competition with J.J. McCarthy—the issue of splitting reps.

Although Murray said he's "not really too worried about the competition side of things," he explained that he hasn't been able to get the reps typically needed for someone learning a new offense, as ESPN's Kevin Seifert detailed.

"I was [in Arizona] for seven years," Murray explained. "I know I had two different offensive systems [there], but at the same time, you're getting all those reps. Now I have these split reps. It's me already being behind, not getting the amount of reps that you would typically want a guy to get learning an offense. That's probably the toughest part."

Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy QB competition is ongoing for the Vikings

This is largely new territory for Murray, and it's specifically a unique situation regarding his NFL career. While McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has the edge on Murray when it comes to learning the playbook and running the offense, signs still point to Murray being the favorite to ultimately win the starting quarterback job for the Vikings.

McCarthy played in 10 games last season for the Vikings, finishing with very mixed results. His final season stat line included 1,632 passing yards, a 57.6% completion percentage, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also rushed for four additional scores and 181 yards. He flashed tremendous upside in some spots, including a three-touchdown game in a 31-0 victory over the Washington Commanders, but also struggled mightily in other spots, including two losses in which he threw two interceptions with no touchdowns.

Murray has battled injuries in two of the last three years, but when healthy, he has shown the upside to be a consistent game-changer with both his arm and legs. Although he played in just five games last season, he completed 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions while tacking on one rushing score.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Kyler Murray sounds off on Vikings QB battle with J.J. McCarthy

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