The Minnesota Vikings got their first small look at Kyler Murray in the role they want him to own.
Murray was on the field for a handful of snaps in Saturday’s 13-10 preseason win over the New York Giants, and he finished 2-of-3 for 10 yards. That’s hardly enough to draw any grand conclusions, but the bigger picture is clear enough: barring a shocking turn of events, Murray is Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback for the season.
That’s why ESPN analyst Herm Edwards believes the message for Murray is refreshingly straightforward. With the Vikings’ collection of weapons around him, Edwards said the former No. 1 pick needs to resist the urge to freelance and instead let the offense breathe.
“They just need a quarterback not to do too much. Just run the offense,” Edwards said.
“Kyler Murray [has to realize], you know what? All I got to do is run the offense.
I don’t have to run around. Just sit in the pocket, get the ball out of your hand.
So, this is going to be kind of fun to watch this competition.”
For Murray, the assignment is bigger than one preseason cameo. He’s trying to rebuild his standing while chasing another long-term, lucrative contract as a QB1, and Edwards made the case that the simplest route is the best one: stay within the structure, trust the system, and avoid trying to create every play himself.
“He’s trying to resurrect his career,“ Edwards continued. “How many quarterbacks have we seen go to other places? Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and all of a sudden, they find a coach that understands who they are and the player flourishes.”
Murray won the job over J.J. McCarthy, though the Vikings may not be done with their former first-round pick just yet.
McCarthy still has two years remaining on his contract, along with a possible fifth-year option. Saturday was only the opening test, but if Murray keeps the operation clean and uncomplicated, he should have every chance to keep the spot for a long time.
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