On Tuesday, the Vikings named quarterback Kyler Murray the starting quarterback for 2026. After the decision was announced, Murray spoke to reporters.
One thing that stands out may be the one thing that made a difference when making him the starter — his ability to make plays with his legs.
“I think, you know, as far as my ability to move around, stuff like that, it’s tough to emulate that stuff on the practice field, when bullets aren’t really flying and there’s no referees out here to be able to say if we were sacked or not,” Murray said. “But I think when we get out there, you know, come game time, I think that stuff just happens for me. That stuff just happens, you know, trying to premeditate what I’m gonna do or anything like that. But I definitely think that’s an ability of mine that, you know, is a special one.”
Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown previously addressed that dynamic. The Vikings have been trying to get him up to speed as to running the new offense. His instinctive and uncanny ability to run the ball will make everything in the passing game easier.
Defenses will have to account for that. And it could make them hesitant in coverage, which could help receivers get open.
Regardless, the Vikings have made their decision. Coach Kevin O’Connell said during the offseason that, once they name a starter, they plan to stick with him all year.
In the two years the Vikings have gone to the playoffs under O’Connell, they had the same quarterback all year. In the two years they didn’t, they had a revolving door.
And so it’s Murray moving forward. He’ll be able to keep learning the offense. And he’ll be in a position to pull the ball down and Road Runner away from the 11 Wile E. Coyotes who won’t be able to catch him.
Read the full article here
