The Minnesota Vikings can unlock another element of Kevin O’Connell’s offense, and we haven’t talked enough about it.
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks to throw against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium.
Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Until Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell names a starting quarterback, the battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy will be the talk of the entire summer. The signing of Murray has made the future a fascinating discussion.
It’s fair to say that McCarthy didn’t play nearly well enough last year, not to mention the fact that he’s only played in 10 games due to injuries across two seasons. The discourse surrounding the entire situation has been a difficult one to parse out, but one aspect has been underdiscussed.
Kyler Murray’s mobility hasn’t been discussed enough
On ESPN’s Get Up on Wednesday morning, the Vikings were discussed in terms of who will win the NFC North. Bart Scott made a really interesting point about Murray that hasn’t been discussed enough: his mobility.
I think at the end of this season, I think we may say that Kyler Murray is the most talented quarterback within that division. You play here with Kevin O’Connell, with the weapons that he has a tight end and TJ Hockinson, you have [Justin] Jefferson, you have [Jordan] Addison, go out and get a gritty guy like Jauan Jennings. I think the sky’s the limit for Kyler Murray. When you’re doing all that, you’re going to have little Mandalorian running around here for 25 seconds with guys just one on one down the field.
ESPN’s Bart Scott
“At the end of this season, I think we may say that Kyler Murray is the best quarterback [in the NFC North.]” @BartScott57 has high expectations for Kyler Murray as the Minnesota Vikings’ QB 👀 pic.twitter.com/bYOO9NveuV
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 13, 2026
We know that O’Connell’s system requires quarterbacks to hang in the pocket for longer than other systems. He loves to attack vertically down the field, and it causes some issues and stress for the offensive line, especially in terms of pressure and sacks. What Murray brings to the table more than anyone else is the element of escapability. Both McCarthy and Sam Darnold were mobile and can do some creating, but they aren’t on the level of Murray.
He thrives in multiple ways, and runs more to attack down the field than trying to eat up yards on the ground. With Jefferson and Addison’s ability to create in scramble drills, that could end up being lethal for the Vikings. McCarthy can do that, but it’s not on the level of Murray. That alone could be what saves the Vikings’ offense from the doldrums of 2025.
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