Minnesota Vikings training camp 2026 has one burning question on every fan’s mind: do the Vikings have a quarterback who can win in the NFC North? After nine practices, Two Old Bloggers — Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano on Vikings 1st & SKOL — are sounding the alarm. The honest answer, delivered with trademark candor, is unsettling: both Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy have been, in the words of reporter Tyler Forness, “just fine.” And fine may not be enough to beat Jordan Love, Jared Goff, or Caleb
Williams.
The quarterback competition has dominated Vikings coverage, and for good reason. Murray has received roughly twice the first-team reps as McCarthy, raising legitimate questions about whether Kevin O’Connell has already decided the outcome. But rep count aside, neither signal-caller has seized the moment. As Darren put it bluntly: “The second worst outcome is what we have right now — both guys are so-so. Nobody’s really running away with it.” Dave echoed the concern, noting that a viral tweet framed it perfectly: Kyler should be proving he’s light years ahead of J.J., not the other way around. A Mike Sando survey of 50 NFL coaches and executives reinforced the worry — Murray ranked 23rd overall (Tier 3), McCarthy 34th (Tier 4), and every NFC North rival QB ranked ahead of them.
Beyond the QB room, however, genuine reasons for optimism are emerging — and Two Old Bloggers covered them all.
Key Points from This Episode:
- Charles Demmings (CB, 5th round) is making plays daily against Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings — the Vikings haven’t drafted and developed a quality corner since Xavier Rhodes in 2013
- Caleb Banks (DT, #18 overall) is fully participating with no reported foot issues — a massive win after multiple surgeries; he’s being worked in gradually alongside Levi Drake Rodriguez, Jaylen Redmond, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
- Jake Golday (LB) is earning snaps with the ones under Brian Flores, showing he can already contribute at inside and outside linebacker — a potential immediate contributor
- Gavin Bartholomew (TE) is producing big catches daily, potentially following a Tyler Conklin-style development arc with T.J. Hockenson’s free agency looming after 2026
- Jeshaun Jones (WR) leads camp in buzz but faces a brutal roster bubble — at 26, he’s six months younger than Justin Jefferson, with Tai Felton, Jauan Jennings, and Myles Price ahead of him
- Jamal Adams has switched to number 32 and is working at safety again under Flores — a potential Josh Metellus-style joker role could be in play
- Jordan Addison’s extension is the offseason’s next big business storyline; Zay Flowers’ 4-year/$140M Ravens deal is driving receiver market prices skyward, but Darren believes the Vikings have leverage through Jennings, Tai Felton’s development, and Addison’s trade value
- Compensatory pick alert: If Kyler Murray starts, plays well, and signs a big deal elsewhere, the Vikings could be in line for a 2028 third-round comp pick — similar to what they received for Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold
The silver lining? Sam Darnold looked shaky at this same point in 2024 training camp and turned into an MVP-caliber performer. There’s still time. Joint practices against the Baltimore Ravens and the first preseason game against the Giants are the next big proving grounds for this Vikings roster.
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Two Old Bloggers brings exactly the kind of unfiltered, experience-backed Minnesota Vikings analysis that cuts through the noise — every week on Vikings 1st & SKOL, part of the Bleav Network. Whether you’re optimistic or bracing for impact, Darren and Dave will help you make sense of it all with humor, history, and just enough existential dread to feel right at home. Don’t miss a single episode — subscribe, rate, and ring the bell wherever you get your podcasts.
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Open Question for Readers:
Which concerns you more heading into the preseason: the QB competition staying unresolved, or the NFC North rival QBs pulling further ahead?
