The case for Kyler Murray

MaroonBells wrote:

As I’ve been saying since my own “Case for Kyler” thread back before we even signed him, this is an addition most Viking fans haven’t completely thought through. Because if they had, they’d be a lot more excited than they are. 
Google how Justin Jefferson plays against zone. Google how a running QB forces defenses to play zone more than they want to. Google how an effective outside zone running scheme pairs with a runner of Murray’s caliber. Yes, it does have to be effective but I like how they brought in Frank Smith to do just that.
Teams with this much offensive talent rarely have a QB of this caliber, and vice versa. We’ll only get it for a year—a contract year for Murray (as well as Addison, Mason). After that, Murray either leaves or we pay him big money and will have to make sacrifices elsewhere on the roster. But for one year at least, Jefferson, Addison, Jennings, Hockenson, Darrisaw, O’Neill—this Ferrari of an offense—gets to be driven by Ken Miles. And the results promise to be ridiculous.

The two things that really had me excited was the ROI on the contract and as you mentioned the increased use of zone and the way Jefferson absolutely destroys zone.

At minimum we should force defenses to deploy a spy. Are you spying a guy with that type of speed with a LB? Nope. Should open up the passing game further.

JustInTime wrote:

The two things that really had me excited was the ROI on the contract and as you mentioned the increased use of zone and the way Jefferson absolutely destroys zone.
At minimum we should force defenses to deploy a spy. Are you spying a guy with that type of speed with a LB? Nope. Should open up the passing game further.

I don't think they can use a spy. I mean, it's tough to justify using a spy when you have to account for 18, 3 and 14. And if that run game starts clicking...oh my.

'It’s pretty hard to do better in the offense than Sam Darnold but if we look at it from the perspective of data, ESPN’s Points Above Average model in 2024 had Kyler ahead of Darnold. His rushing created 27 extra first downs and 19 runs of more than 10 yards in 2024. That’s a lot of chain moving with the legs.

Crazy stat for you about Murray: No quarterback had a faster speed (by NGS tracking) when scrambling past the line of scrimmage than Murray."

"There’s a few things that stand out. Staying out of third-and-long situations is massive with Murray. From his career splits, he has a 113.9 rating on third-and-3 or less, 92.5 rating on third down and between 4-6 yards and then just 76.0 on third down and 10 or more. He has 33 TDs to 6 INTs on short or medium and 8 TD to 11 INT on third-and-long.

How does that compare to the rest of the league? Glad you asked… On third down with 5 or fewer yards to go since 2019, Murray has a 108.5 rating, seventh best among QBs with 200+ passes in those situations and ahead of Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert. On third down with 7+ yards to go, he’s 27th in rating."

https://www.purpleinsider.football/p/friday-mailbag-qb-decision-made-preseason

It's business and KOC is thinking about his job, the margin for error is basically nonexistent. There are only so many chances you get

It won't take much to produce a better outcome than last year.

Why Kyler moves the needle so much w MIN and why the Vikings are so intriguing. Defense isnt always sticky year to year unless the DC is Brian Flores, of course. But last year the Vikings off generated a 50th percentile+ EPA in just 3 games all year going 3-0 with a +43 pt diff.… pic.twitter.com/nmH2ysDcr8

— Clevta (@Clevta) August 12, 2026

The case for Kyler was on full display yesterday. JJM should be QB3