The Vikings’ preseason opener against the Giants will put the offense under the spotlight, and not just because of the quarterback battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy. There’s also plenty of curiosity around a running game that’s supposed to be better this season, plus a receiver room where the real fun is figuring out who can flash behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
That makes this first look a little more layered than a typical preseason tune-up. The quarterbacks are the headliners, but the way the Vikings use their backs and their depth pieces could tell just as much about where this offense is headed.
One obvious key is letting Kyler Murray do what he does best. Minnesota hasn’t had a quarterback who can extend plays and create with his legs in some time, and Murray’s ability to improvise is part of what makes him such an intriguing option in this battle.
Kevin O'Connell and Wes Phillips need to give him room to show that side of his game. There’s a good chance he makes a play or two with his legs while also showing off his arm talent both inside and outside the pocket.
The other side of that competition is J.J. McCarthy, and the Vikings need to give him a real chance to separate himself.
He has been very conservative with his pass attempts in his NFL career and in camp this year, based on reporting. If Minnesota wants to see what he can really do, it has to let him take some chances and push the ball down the field more often.
The run game matters here too, especially because it has not been a strength under Kevin O'Connell. The Vikings need more efficient production on the ground, both to help the quarterback and to control time of possession. They also need to show they can function as a complete offense.
That’s where rookie Demond Claiborne comes in. He’s been getting hype from Aaron Jones, and plenty of people will be watching to see if he can bring a spark. If he does, the Vikings will need to find ways to feature him more going forward.
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J.J. McCarthy Just Became The Vikings Biggest New Question
J.J. McCarthys path in Minnesota just got a lot murkier after the Vikings turned to Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback. For a young passer who was already sitting at the center of the franchises future plans, the move changes the immediate picture in a major way and forces a new conversation about what comes next for one of the teams most important assets.
McCarthy is still under contract, which keeps several doors open, but none of them are simple. He could stay and fight for a role, he could end up in trade talk, or he could wind up waiting for the quarterback situation to shift again before his own opportunity returns. For now, the Vikings have a new starter in place and a familiar but unresolved question hanging over McCarthys future. [Read more 🡒]
Vikings QB Battle Just Took A Turn Fans Didn't See Coming
The Vikings quarterback picture has shifted in a major way, with Kyler Murray stepping into the lead role as the team heads into a new season. A former first overall pick out of Arizona, Murray arrives in Minnesota for his eighth NFL season and now gets the keys to an offense that already has several notable receivers waiting for him.
For a roster that had hoped to sort out its quarterback situation cleanly, this move adds a new layer of intrigue around the depth chart and what comes next. J.J. McCarthy is still part of the conversation, but the competition now carries different weight as Minnesota starts to look not just at the present, but at how this decision could ripple into the future. [Read more 🡒]
Vikings Veterans Suddenly Look Vulnerable As Trade Possibilities Emerge
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Nolan Teasleys arrival as general manager adds another layer to the equation, since the Vikings appear more willing to explore aggressive roster moves than they have been in the past. Jacksons role has shrunk with the safety picture shifting, Rouse has more competition after the latest additions, and Hekkers future could depend on whether the club is comfortable moving in a younger direction at punter. For a team trying to sort out its next window, even established veterans are no longer guaranteed to stay in place. [Read more 🡒]