Minnesota’s defense seized control during the second week of training camp, while neither quarterback is making the competition particularly compelling. Monday’s off day gives the Vikings a chance to reconsider their approach before Week 3.
Kyler Murray entered camp as the odds-on favorite to become the starter and remains in the lead, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. But what O’Connell presumably wanted to see from the veteran -- a convincing claim to the job -- has not happened. J.J. McCarthy has not taken advantage of Murray’s inconsistency, either, leaving Minnesota without an obvious QB1 as the preseason approaches.
Winner: Blake Cashman
Blake Cashman repeatedly disrupted the offense throughout the week, supplying notable pressure Friday before nearly recording sacks on four consecutive plays during Sunday’s two-minute period. Although quarterbacks cannot be tackled during camp, Cashman’s ability to reach the backfield was unmistakable.
The veteran linebacker looks primed to remain a centerpiece of Brian Flores’ defense. His timing and decisiveness as a blitzer make him particularly dangerous in a scheme designed to disguise where pressure is coming from. Cashman’s Sunday performance helped set the tone as the defense overwhelmed the offense during the night practice.
Winner: Chuck Demmings
Chuck Demmings’ breakout camp continued Sunday with pass breakups against Tai Felton and Bryson Nesbit before he added a would-be sack on a corner blitz. The rookie has consistently been in the correct position and appears comfortable whether he is playing coverage or attacking the backfield.
Demmings arrived as a Day 3 selection from Stephen F. Austin, but he is performing like someone capable of earning an immediate role. He still must prove himself during preseason games, when receivers can finish plays and quarterbacks are live, but his instincts, versatility and knack for finding the football have made him one of Minnesota’s most encouraging young players.
Winner: Jeshaun Jones
Jeshaun Jones strengthened his roster case with three red-zone touchdowns Saturday -- two from McCarthy and one from Murray. One of those scores required an especially strong catch in traffic, showing that Jones can offer more than simply being in the right place against reserve defenders.
Minnesota’s crowded receiver competition leaves little room for an unproven player to blend into the background. Jones has responded by developing chemistry with both quarterbacks and making plays in scoring territory. His path to the final roster remains difficult, but he entered Week 3 with considerably more momentum than he had a week earlier.
Winner: Brett Thorson
Rookie punter Brett Thorson boomed several balls approximately 60 yards Friday and repeatedly forced returners to retreat. His combination of distance and hang time made him one of the most noticeable players during an extended special-teams period.
Veteran Johnny Hekker entered camp with experience firmly on his side, but Thorson is doing everything necessary to make the competition tougher. The Vikings must determine whether the rookie can match that power with placement and consistency in preseason action. For now, however, Thorson has provided a convincing argument that Minnesota should seriously consider the younger option.
Loser: Kyler Murray
Murray may remain the favorite, but he has not earned QB1. His two interceptions during Sunday’s night practice -- one to James Pierre and another to Isaiah Rodgers -- provided an ugly conclusion to an uneven week. He struggled to establish a rhythm as Minnesota’s pressure repeatedly reached the backfield.
O’Connell has said Murray is ahead of where he expected him to be mentally, which is encouraging for a veteran learning a complicated offense. The results still lack the consistency expected from a starter, however. Murray has produced enough flashes to maintain his lead, but not enough quality football to end the competition.
Loser: J.J. McCarthy
McCarthy flashed Friday with three touchdowns during a four-play red-zone sequence, but he couldn't sustain that momentum. He struggled in Sunday’s red-zone work, and even his deep completion to Justin Jefferson forced the receiver to slow down rather than catch the ball in stride.
Murray’s mistakes have created opportunities for McCarthy to close the gap, but the former first-round pick has not capitalized consistently. Two weeks into camp, he still hasn't shown that he deserves to reclaim the starting job. Occasional impressive throws will not be enough; McCarthy needs to stack complete practices and demonstrate command of the offense.
Loser: Blake Brandel
Minnesota entered camp trusting Blake Brandel at center, but several iffy quarterback exchanges and errant shotgun snaps are concerning. Those mistakes can destroy a play before it begins, making them particularly troublesome for an offense already trying to settle an unsettled quarterback situation.
Brandel’s versatility and knowledge of the system give him a strong chance to retain the job. Still, the Vikings need routine snaps to become truly routine. Until Brandel cleans up the exchanges, center will remain a concern for Minnesota.
Add us as a preferred source on Google