Kevin O’Connell claimed all is well between his two top quarterbacks.
Despite questionable comments J.J. McCarthy about his new QB1 competition, Kyler Murray, the Vikings head coach said Thursday that the pair have been “very professional” in working together during Minnesota OTAs.
“The interpretation of those comments will be what they are. I would just say, in the room, day to day, the dialogue between those guys, the interactions, have been very professional,” O’Connell said.
O’Connell said he’s getting some help from experience behind McCarthy and Murray on the depth chart.
“… It’s been a positive [QB] room,” he said. “I think Carson [Wentz] has a lot to do with that, as the veteran in the room. And I would never discount (offensive coordinator) Josh McCown’s extensive career as a player in those quarterback rooms and how he manages the room and everybody in there.”
Last month, McCarthy, a 2024 first-round pick, raised eyebrows for comments about his relationship with Murray, who signed a one-year contract with Minnesota in March.
“It’s just like two guys in a classroom,” McCarthy said. “He sits on one side. I sit on the other side. It’s the coaches’ responsibility to teach us and coach us.”
Murray’s comments about McCarthy couldn’t have sounded more different.
“It’s been great,” Murray said of playing with McCarthy. “Obviously, I know he’s a younger guy, so any way I can help him. I’ve played seven years now, going onto 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.”
McCarthy is looking to win back the starting job in Minnesota after a shaky 2025.
The Michigan product suffered an ankle sprain in his second game of the season, causing him to miss the next five contests. In the two games he played, he threw for two touchdowns and three interceptions.
He finished the season 6-4 as the starter, but had more interceptions (12) than passing touchdowns (11).
Murray joins the Vikings after seven seasons with the Cardinals.
Last year, Murray had six passing touchdowns and three interceptions across five games.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: nypost.com
