Yes. I believe the Minnesota Vikings made the right decision.
The Vikings have reportedly named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy, putting the former No. 1 overall pick back in the driver’s seat of an NFL offense.
And I think Minnesota is going to be rewarded for it.
Murray’s time in Arizona has now come to an end, opening the door for a fresh opportunity in Minnesota.
And sometimes a change of scenery can bring out the best in a talented player.
I believe we’re going to see a different Kyler Murray in Minnesota.
Murray is still only 29 years old entering this season. He’s already been an NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowler, and he’s produced more than 20,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards during his NFL career.
People also shouldn’t forget just how special this guy was before entering the NFL.
At Oklahoma in 2018, Murray won the Heisman Trophy after throwing for more than 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns while adding 892 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. His combination of passing ability, speed and improvisation made him one of the most electric players in college football.
That talent didn’t suddenly disappear.
And now Murray gets to work with Kevin O’Connell.
That’s the part that really interests me.
O’Connell has built a reputation as one of the league’s better offensive minds, and Murray now enters an offense with something every quarterback would love to have:
Justin Jefferson.
In my opinion, the best wide receiver in football.
The combination of Murray’s mobility, arm talent and ability to extend plays with Jefferson’s route running and ability to make plays at every level of the field could become one of the most entertaining quarterback-receiver combinations in the NFL.
Imagine a play breaking down and Murray escaping the pocket.
Defensive backs now have to stay attached to Justin Jefferson while Murray buys another three or four seconds.
Good luck.
And that’s ultimately why I agree with Minnesota’s decision.
They owe it to Justin Jefferson to try to win now.
That doesn’t mean McCarthy’s career is over or that he can’t eventually become Minnesota’s long-term answer. He’s still young, and having an experienced quarterback ahead of him could ultimately help his development.
But right now, Murray gives Minnesota something McCarthy simply cannot offer yet:
A proven NFL résumé.
Murray has started in this league. He’s made Pro Bowls. He’s taken a team to the playoffs. He’s thrown for more than 20,000 yards. He knows what it takes to lead an NFL offense.
Now he gets another opportunity.
It won’t be easy.
The NFC North is going to be brutal, and Minnesota will have very little room for error. But I’m willing to make the prediction now:
Kyler Murray will lead the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs this season.
I believe we’re going to see a motivated Murray playing in an offense that fits his abilities, throwing to arguably the best receiver in football.
Arizona was the first chapter.
Minnesota could be the beginning of an even better one.
The Vikings gave Kyler Murray the keys.
Now let’s see where he takes them.
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