Trying to make sense of the “open competition”
I’m gonna say it. I think the QB competition was absolutely nothing but theatre. I think It was all a “show” in KOC’s attempt to put the toothpaste back in the tube.
There’s no mystery at this point behind the fact KOC wanted Darnold last year to give JJ another year to develop. I still don’t think KOC believes JJ is ready and in fact was probably set back due to last year.
Enter Kyler Murray. He was the best option in a sea of very mediocre options. He was signed without question to be the starter. But that leaves the question “How do they bench JJ without destroying his confidence in their faith in him?….QB competition”.
I truly believe they think or at least hope that by posing a “competition” that JJ “narrowly missed” that they can bench him into another year of development without causing any damage to the QB/Coach QB/team relationship.
The problem is, JJ doesn’t appear to be a dumb guy. And if I’ve figured this out, he definitely has too. I think he’s going to say all the right things and be a good soldier, but this is the beginning of the end for him in Minnesota. Even if he does become a successful starter here within his rookie contract, I can almost guarantee he won’t ever re-sign. He will give to this franchise what they’ve given to him…zero grace.
If I can see what that sham of a competition it was…and YOU can see it….JJ lived it and he knows too.
Beginning of the end. And for KOC’s job, Kyler better be the All-Pro he’s banking on
With his ability and experience Murray should have dispatched JJ by Day 3?. That didn't happen.
JJ couldn't beat out Murray.
KO's point to this dealio was for them to see how good they are, based on their own play. Neither looked the part and that's helluva motivator.
Vikings and KO win because he'll get the best out of both of them.
Don't trade JJ.
JJ was given a shot and he lost. A still unproven 23 yo who was objectively awful last year lost to a former OROY, 2X Pro Bowl, 8 yr vet. Shocking. Stop blaming the refs.
“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."
—George Orwell
We all need to get this out of our system and move on and move forward. I know I personally misjudged JJ McCarthy as an NFL prospect…. it is what it is. The anticipation for game one in Minnesota against Green Bay is going to be off the chart for Vikings fans. Expectations and hype will continue to grow until that point, guaranteed by not only the media but fans as well.
JJ is a big boy (and a dad!) he'll be fine.
Not happy JJM did not take a bigger step forward this year. Thats on him btw.
But I'm moving on and hoping for some fun this season. Also hoping to see 9 again next season - and an improved QB.
Last year sucked balls and I want no repeat of that.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Perspective.
In 2025 the Defense created 21 turnovers one less than in 2023.
— PeteBercich (@PeteBercich) August 13, 2026
The 33 takes in 2024 were driven by interceptions (24 of them). Why? Passing attempts faced.
In 2025 the defense faced 496 passing attempts (we were the only team under 500). Lowest in the NFL. In 2024 we… https://t.co/f3wGWPx75U
I am sure everyone expected Murray to look better and win out, however I also do not believe it was some kind of game or for show. If JJM looked incredibly improved and Murray had been terrible, I am pretty sure JJM would be the starter.
NFL is big time game and a business, these guys did not get to a NFL camp without having the mental fortitude to handle competition, rejection and adversity. It is part of the game. JJM will be fine, he knows he is likely to get an opportunity to play this year and is focused on being ready for it.
It's hard for anyone not in the coaches' room to know how real the competition was, as the variables (what focuses for which QB, time with starters, what Flo was bringing, etc) are basically speculation for us fans. We can't know.
That said, the other reality is that K1 rarely finishes a season and JJM has his own infamous injury history to get behind him. The odds are almost guaranteed that both will be starting this season.
Getting close to Vikings Football time...!!!
StickierBuns wrote:
We all need to get this out of our system and move on and move forward. I know I personally misjudged JJ McCarthy as an NFL prospect…. it is what it is. The anticipation for game one in Minnesota against Green Bay is going to be off the chart for Vikings fans. Expectations and hype will continue to grow until that point, guaranteed by not only the media but fans as well.
For me there’s nothing to move on from. I feel like this organization has made every wrong decision possible since Cousins left and signing Kyler is just another rung on the ladder.
I feel like all this recent hype is going to come to an abrupt halt week 1 at US Bank. My expectations and anticipation are about as low as possible.
Hopefully I’m wrong
CFIAvike wrote:
For me there’s nothing to move on from. I feel like this organization has made every wrong decision possible since Cousins left and signing Kyler is just another rung on the ladder.
I feel like all this recent hype is going to come to an abrupt halt week 1 at US Bank. My expectations and anticipation are about as low as possible.
Hopefully I’m wrong
Well, that's spoken like a long time Viking's fan. I get it. Folded arms and a frown until proven otherwise. I don't begrudge anyone their state of mind as a long time supporter of this team. But this is hype season, it comes every single year. We'll see if K1 can get some old heads to pop up out of their gopher holes or not. 👍
I tried to tell you guys this. The rumors I heard from people that interact with that are fairly plugged in is that they knew last year they were in trouble last June. They knew that the kid had miles to go and the maturity wasn’t there.
Fast forward to this year they needed to get a guy in that they could gameplan with. McCarthy will likely get a chance later this season because I doubt Murray gets through the full season healthy. But I think JJM’s ceili g right now is a backup QB in the league.
Is this thing STILL on? | Skol Vikes! |
Unless Murray goes off this season we will absolutely be drafting a QB next draft.
JJM is not in the future for the Vikings outside a miracle.
Is this thing STILL on? | Skol Vikes! |
Mike Olson wrote:
Unless Murray goes off this season we will absolutely be drafting a QB next draft.
JJM is not in the future for the Vikings outside a miracle.
Yep, even the most diehard fans have to understand this about JJM. I knew it the day K1 was signed.
How about the University of Minnesota QB? KOC has had his eye on this guy locally.
StickierBuns wrote:
How about the University of Minnesota QB? KOC has had his eye on this guy locally.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Mike Olson wrote:
Unless Murray goes off this season we will absolutely be drafting a QB next draft.
JJM is not in the future for the Vikings outside a miracle.
StickierBuns wrote:
Yep, even the most diehard fans have to understand this about JJM. I knew it the day K1 was signed.
I wasn't ready to start him this year, but I'm not ready to write off McCarthy...
A lot of the tools and traits are there.
I dont want to have to draft a QB in 27 period, especially not w/out an established QB on the roster.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Not listening to QB draft talk.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
purplefaithful wrote:
I wasn't ready to start him this year, but I'm not ready to write off McCarthy...
A lot of the tools and traits are there.
I dont want to have to draft a QB in 27 period, especially not w/out an established QB on the roster.
But can we call JJM an established QB?
If KM does seem to fit here can JJM be ok with being a #2 here? I am not sold he can.
Is this thing STILL on? | Skol Vikes! |
JustInTime wrote:
Not listening to QB draft talk.
oh it’s happening.
Is this thing STILL on? | Skol Vikes! |
Mike Olson wrote:
oh it’s happening.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
Lololop Bro we can’t keep Carson Wentz forever
Is this thing STILL on? | Skol Vikes! |
purplefaithful wrote:
I wasn't ready to start him this year, but I'm not ready to write off McCarthy...
A lot of the tools and traits are there.
I dont want to have to draft a QB in 27 period, especially not w/out an established QB on the roster.
I'm also not quite ready to write off McCarthy, and I agree that the tools and traits are there. We're not there yet, but we're getting close to the point where it might be time to admit defeat on that one.
McCarthy didn't look great today. What happened to the guy who played in that Raiders preseason game two years ago? If I'm being honest and someone asked me who I'd feel more comfortable coming into a game between Wentz and McCarthy? I don't know the answer to that. And that's a problem. We'll see what he looks like next week.
“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."
—George Orwell
Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)
Warn Poster
Suspend User (3 days)
The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.