Close Menu
    Trending
    Subscribe
    Sports

    Kevin O’Connell drops clear verdict on tensions between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray after Vikings QB’s comments

    AdminBy No Comments3 Mins Read0 Views


    Kevin O’Connell has a major quarterback war on his hands, and he is getting candid about what he thinks of the situation.

    In March, the Minnesota Vikings signed former Arizona Cardinal Kyler Murray with the intention of having him compete with J.J. McCarthy for the QB1 spot. While both men have downplayed any notion of hostility between each other, the media has been pouncing on this quote that McCarthy made last week:

    “It’s just like two guys in a classroom. He sits on one side, and I sit on the other side. It’s the coaches’ responsibility to teach us and coach us.”

    During his media availability on Thursday, O’Connell addressed the matter for the first time. He said:

    Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

    “I didn’t make a lot out of it. I know there was some reaction to it. That’s probably not the first time there’s gonna be a reaction to those guys answering questions about the situation.”

    ALSO READ: Kevin O’Connell reveals plan for Vikings QB room after signing Kyler Murray to compete with J.J. McCarthy

    ALSO READ: “There’s a standard to playing that position”: Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell gets honest about stance on J.J. McCarthy after signing Kyler Murray

    Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell gives update on Harrison Smith

    In the same media availability, Kevin O’Connell gave a hint as to whether Harrison Smith would return for another season or retire.

    The multiple-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl safety was released by the Vikings in March after fourteen seasons. Since then, not much has been said about him, but the coach revealed on Thursday:

    “He was in town and saw some folks. I didn’t get to see him. I was incredibly hurt by that. And in an attempt to play some golf with him, I was turned down.”

    When asked about whether Smith would retire or return for Year 15, whether it be in Minneapolis or elsewhere, O’Connell said:

    “I think Harrison Smith is gonna wanna play football until he’s old and gray, which last time I checked, had not happened yet. … I think it’s probably a deeper conversation than just the want-to at this point. Those conversations will take place, respectfully, throughout the summer.”

    The Vikings end their offseason/spring program with mandatory minicamp next week.