The Minnesota Vikings completed Day 7 of training camp — their second day in pads at TCO Performance Center — and the quarterback battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy is beginning to look less like a competition and more like a coronation. On the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, host Tyler Forness, who was live at TCO, broke down everything Vikings fans need to know alongside co-host Dave Stefano.
Key Points from This Episode:
- QB Battle: Murray Pulling Away — Forness, who has attended the last four practices, said Murray is separating from McCarthy in the areas that matter most: processing speed, consistency, and explosive downfield throws. Murray connected on two deep post touchdowns — a 40-yarder in 7-on-7 and a 60-yarder in team drills. “I think it’s now becoming a matter of time that Kyler Murray is going to be named the starter,” said Forness.
- J.J. McCarthy: Best Day, But Not Enough — McCarthy had his sharpest processing day of camp but couldn’t sustain it. “He’ll drop back, he’ll have a really clean process, and he’ll rip a 15-yard out route — but two plays later it feels like it’s unraveling,” Forness noted.
- Tai Felton Turning Heads — Forness compared Felton’s emergence to K.J. Osborn’s 2021 breakout. “I’m very impressed with Tai Felton. He’s showcasing a lot.” Felton hauled in a 60-yard touchdown bomb from Murray on a deep post in team drills.
- Chuck Demmings Is the Real Deal — The fifth-round rookie cornerback is winning reps against Justin Jefferson. “He is winning against Justin Jefferson… This dude has the perfect brain for a cornerback,” Forness said. Demmings is a legitimate steal.
- Demond Claiborne Struggling — The return specialist has logged multiple drops in his first two camp days and was laid out by Jamal Adams. “Very, very unimpressed so far with Demond Claiborne,” Forness said plainly.
- Dallas Turner Flashing — The pass rusher tallied multiple pressures and sacks during team drills.
- Running Game Looks Different — With Frank Smith brought in to revamp the run game, Forness believes Jordan Mason will eventually earn a larger share of the backfield over Aaron Jones in wide zone sets.
- Jordan Addison Thumb Injury — A jammed thumb kept Addison out, but imaging cleared him and it’s not considered serious.
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What do you think?
Is the Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy competition truly over, or does McCarthy deserve more time to make his case before the first preseason game?
