2 days ago
The Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition is heating up, and no one is backing down on social media from defending who they think should win the job. Through it all, the coaching staff has remained steadfast in their execution of this quarterback competition, while some on the outside consider it already Kyler Murray's job to lose.
However, based on early notes from the first two days of training camp, it seems McCarthy is lacking some early explosiveness in his passing.
ESPN's Kevin Seifert shared his notes from practice on Thursday, July 30, and he hinted that McCarthy is being more conservative while Murray is pushing the ball down the field.
Seifert shared, "Perhaps the biggest takeaway Thursday from the competition between quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy is that Murray is more often pushing the ball downfield. He threw an accurate floater about 45 yards downfield to receiver Dontae Fleming, as well as a deep corner to receiver Justin Jefferson. He also missed tight end T.J. Hockenson down the right sideline."
Reports from others in camp are mixed, but the reports of Murray pushing the ball down the field are consistent. Some do have McCarthy ahead in the race, but it's just two days in, plenty of things and momentum will change. It will be interesting to see how they come out in a few days following their first break after three consecutive practice days.
#pushing #seifert
However, based on early notes from the first two days of training camp, it seems McCarthy is lacking some early explosiveness in his passing.
ESPN's Kevin Seifert shared his notes from practice on Thursday, July 30, and he hinted that McCarthy is being more conservative while Murray is pushing the ball down the field.
Seifert shared, "Perhaps the biggest takeaway Thursday from the competition between quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy is that Murray is more often pushing the ball downfield. He threw an accurate floater about 45 yards downfield to receiver Dontae Fleming, as well as a deep corner to receiver Justin Jefferson. He also missed tight end T.J. Hockenson down the right sideline."
Reports from others in camp are mixed, but the reports of Murray pushing the ball down the field are consistent. Some do have McCarthy ahead in the race, but it's just two days in, plenty of things and momentum will change. It will be interesting to see how they come out in a few days following their first break after three consecutive practice days.
#pushing #seifert
8 days ago
The Minnesota Vikings' quarterback competition will dominate training camp conversation, but another important offensive battle is developing in front of whoever wins that job.
Minnesota still must settle its center position after Ryan Kelly's retirement left the offensive line without an established starter in the middle. The competition may not generate the same attention as the quarterback room, but it could have a major impact on Kevin O'Connell's offense.
According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Blake Brandel is expected to get the first opportunity. The longtime utility lineman gave the Vikings a surprisingly effective nine-game stretch at center in 2025, providing enough stability to enter camp as the logical favorite. His versatility has long made him valuable, but this summer gives him a chance to secure a more defined role.
The retirement of Ryan Kelly left the Vikings looking for a new starter. Long-time utility lineman Blake Brandel will get the first look, following his surprisingly effective nine-game stint there in 2025. The Vikings also want to monitor third-year backup Michael Jurgens and seventh-round pick Gavin Gerhardt. It was mildly surprising that the Vikings didn't sign a free agent at the position, and it could still happen.
That opportunity comes with pressure. Center is more than a blocking position. The starter must handle protection calls, identify fronts, help set the tone in the run game and maintain clean communication with the quarterback. That responsibility becomes even more important in an offense that asks quarterbacks to process quickly and play with timing.
#Vikings #game #kevin
Minnesota still must settle its center position after Ryan Kelly's retirement left the offensive line without an established starter in the middle. The competition may not generate the same attention as the quarterback room, but it could have a major impact on Kevin O'Connell's offense.
According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Blake Brandel is expected to get the first opportunity. The longtime utility lineman gave the Vikings a surprisingly effective nine-game stretch at center in 2025, providing enough stability to enter camp as the logical favorite. His versatility has long made him valuable, but this summer gives him a chance to secure a more defined role.
The retirement of Ryan Kelly left the Vikings looking for a new starter. Long-time utility lineman Blake Brandel will get the first look, following his surprisingly effective nine-game stint there in 2025. The Vikings also want to monitor third-year backup Michael Jurgens and seventh-round pick Gavin Gerhardt. It was mildly surprising that the Vikings didn't sign a free agent at the position, and it could still happen.
That opportunity comes with pressure. Center is more than a blocking position. The starter must handle protection calls, identify fronts, help set the tone in the run game and maintain clean communication with the quarterback. That responsibility becomes even more important in an offense that asks quarterbacks to process quickly and play with timing.
#Vikings #game #kevin
8 days ago
The Minnesota Vikings can talk about other training camp storylines, but the quarterback conversation is not going anywhere.
Kyler Murray enters camp as the favorite to win the starting job, giving Minnesota an experienced option with the arm talent and mobility to function in Kevin O'Connell's offense. Still, any unsettled quarterback situation commands attention, and the Vikings have one that could shape not only Week 1, but the franchise's long-term direction, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.
Who will start at QB in Week 1? Kyler Murray is the heavy favorite to win the job, but it's impossible to pull eyes away from any unsettled quarterback situation. In his previous seven NFL seasons, Murray has displayed the arm talent necessary to succeed in Kevin O'Connell's offense. But how long will it take him to grow accustomed to what is admittedly a complex scheme, one that requires active eyes and patient feet in the pocket? Murray admitted during OTAs that it had been a challenge to pursue the necessary familiarity while taking only half the reps. Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 pick of the 2024 draft, is fighting for his football future -- at least with the Vikings -- after only 10 NFL starts. -- Kevin Seifert
Murray's résumé makes him the logical front-runner. Across seven NFL seasons, he has shown the ability to create explosive plays, extend snaps and stress defenses with his arm and athleticism. Those traits should fit an offense built around timing, ****** ing and aggressive downfield opportunities.
The challenge is mastering the details.
#quarterback #offense #week
Kyler Murray enters camp as the favorite to win the starting job, giving Minnesota an experienced option with the arm talent and mobility to function in Kevin O'Connell's offense. Still, any unsettled quarterback situation commands attention, and the Vikings have one that could shape not only Week 1, but the franchise's long-term direction, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.
Who will start at QB in Week 1? Kyler Murray is the heavy favorite to win the job, but it's impossible to pull eyes away from any unsettled quarterback situation. In his previous seven NFL seasons, Murray has displayed the arm talent necessary to succeed in Kevin O'Connell's offense. But how long will it take him to grow accustomed to what is admittedly a complex scheme, one that requires active eyes and patient feet in the pocket? Murray admitted during OTAs that it had been a challenge to pursue the necessary familiarity while taking only half the reps. Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 pick of the 2024 draft, is fighting for his football future -- at least with the Vikings -- after only 10 NFL starts. -- Kevin Seifert
Murray's résumé makes him the logical front-runner. Across seven NFL seasons, he has shown the ability to create explosive plays, extend snaps and stress defenses with his arm and athleticism. Those traits should fit an offense built around timing, ****** ing and aggressive downfield opportunities.
The challenge is mastering the details.
#quarterback #offense #week
9 days ago
The Hundred men's competition, Lord's
Manchester Super Giants 138-9 (100 ****** ): Seifert 67 (45); Livingstone 2-14
London Spirit 131-6 (100 ****** ): Livingstone 69 (40); Atkinson 2-15
Manchester Super Giants won by seven runs
Scorecard. Table
#super #livingstone #hundred #seifert
Manchester Super Giants 138-9 (100 ****** ): Seifert 67 (45); Livingstone 2-14
London Spirit 131-6 (100 ****** ): Livingstone 69 (40); Atkinson 2-15
Manchester Super Giants won by seven runs
Scorecard. Table
#super #livingstone #hundred #seifert
19 days ago
The Real Forno Show returns with Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano on the The Real Forno Show breaking down the hottest Minnesota Vikings storylines two weeks before training camp — from Brian Flores’ rookie snap counts to a fiery and continuing Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy quarterback debate. With guests RAP and Norsepheus joining the conversation, this episode is must-listen content for every Vikings fan heading into 2026.
Forness dissects the Kevin Seifert ESPN report on Flores’ historically low rookie usage, arguing that context — draft capital, player age, system complexity — matters more than raw snap numbers. “It’s not just about the fact that he doesn’t play rookies,” Forness says. “It’s about situations. It’s about what the player is and how they project forward.” The panel also projects snap counts for the 2026 rookie defensive class, including Caleb Banks (520 snaps, 10 starts), Jake Golday (246 snaps), Domonique Orange (310 snaps), Jakobe Thomas (290 snaps), and Charles Demmings (210 snaps).
The second half of the show catches fire when guests RAP and Norsepheus join to weigh in on the Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy competition. RAP puts it plainly: “If the Vikings can just get somebody who can run and control the offense, we can be a Super Bowl contender.” Meanwhile, Norsepheus challenges Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback development record and Murray’s fit in a play-action system, asking: “How is a guy stuck in the pistol or shotgun going to help Kevin O’Connell’s offense?” Tyler counters that Murray “is a pocket passer first that will scramble — he wants to stay and kill you in the pocket,” making him a potentially strong fit for O’Connell’s scheme.
Brian Flores & Rookie Snaps: The Vikings rank second-to-last in rookie starts (16) and defensive snaps (2,110) over three years — but Forness argues the per-player average tells a different, less **** ing story. “Brian Flores will play rookies when they deserve to play, when they’re ready to play.”
2026 Rookie Snap Projections: Caleb Banks leads the class with a projected 520 snaps and 10 starts; Charles Demmings sits at the floor with 210 snaps and zero starts — “less than 20% of snaps per game.”
Forness dissects the Kevin Seifert ESPN report on Flores’ historically low rookie usage, arguing that context — draft capital, player age, system complexity — matters more than raw snap numbers. “It’s not just about the fact that he doesn’t play rookies,” Forness says. “It’s about situations. It’s about what the player is and how they project forward.” The panel also projects snap counts for the 2026 rookie defensive class, including Caleb Banks (520 snaps, 10 starts), Jake Golday (246 snaps), Domonique Orange (310 snaps), Jakobe Thomas (290 snaps), and Charles Demmings (210 snaps).
The second half of the show catches fire when guests RAP and Norsepheus join to weigh in on the Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy competition. RAP puts it plainly: “If the Vikings can just get somebody who can run and control the offense, we can be a Super Bowl contender.” Meanwhile, Norsepheus challenges Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback development record and Murray’s fit in a play-action system, asking: “How is a guy stuck in the pistol or shotgun going to help Kevin O’Connell’s offense?” Tyler counters that Murray “is a pocket passer first that will scramble — he wants to stay and kill you in the pocket,” making him a potentially strong fit for O’Connell’s scheme.
Brian Flores & Rookie Snaps: The Vikings rank second-to-last in rookie starts (16) and defensive snaps (2,110) over three years — but Forness argues the per-player average tells a different, less **** ing story. “Brian Flores will play rookies when they deserve to play, when they’re ready to play.”
2026 Rookie Snap Projections: Caleb Banks leads the class with a projected 520 snaps and 10 starts; Charles Demmings sits at the floor with 210 snaps and zero starts — “less than 20% of snaps per game.”
20 days ago
The Minnesota Vikings haven't had many hits in the draft in recent years. Could their top pick from the 2026 draft class be their next big disappointment?
In April, the Vikings shocked the NFL landscape by drafting Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick. Two foot surgeries since August 2025 led most to believe Banks could potentially slide into the second round. But Minnesota is convinced Banks will be healthy when training camp begins later this month.
Still, not everyone is convinced Banks will be healthy or even live up to his potential. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report listed each NFL team's biggest bust for the 2026 season, whether a draft pick or a veteran signing. Moton listed Banks as the Vikings' biggest bust, citing health concerns.
The Minnesota Vikings selected Banks with the No. 18 overall pick in the draft, and he's yet to participate in practice. Head coach Kevin O'Connell expects the 6'6", 327-pound defensive tackle to be ready for training camp (h/t ESPN's Kevin Seifert).
Even if Banks is on the practice field in a couple of weeks, the Vikings probably won't ramp him up to full speed right away. After missing spring practices, the rookie first-rounder may see limited reps, which may delay his start to the season and push for a prominent role on the defensive line.
In April, the Vikings shocked the NFL landscape by drafting Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick. Two foot surgeries since August 2025 led most to believe Banks could potentially slide into the second round. But Minnesota is convinced Banks will be healthy when training camp begins later this month.
Still, not everyone is convinced Banks will be healthy or even live up to his potential. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report listed each NFL team's biggest bust for the 2026 season, whether a draft pick or a veteran signing. Moton listed Banks as the Vikings' biggest bust, citing health concerns.
The Minnesota Vikings selected Banks with the No. 18 overall pick in the draft, and he's yet to participate in practice. Head coach Kevin O'Connell expects the 6'6", 327-pound defensive tackle to be ready for training camp (h/t ESPN's Kevin Seifert).
Even if Banks is on the practice field in a couple of weeks, the Vikings probably won't ramp him up to full speed right away. After missing spring practices, the rookie first-rounder may see limited reps, which may delay his start to the season and push for a prominent role on the defensive line.
2 months ago
The Vikings' selection of Caleb Banks is going to be debated for months until he steps on the field in a regular-season game. Given the injury concerns, folks will want to see how sustainable his play is, but, of course, they will hope for the best.
This past week, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell gave a promising update on the former Florida Gator. Banks is coming back from a broken foot he suffered during Senior Bowl practices in January, but O'Connell believes that he will be back for training camp next month.
ESPN's Kevin Seifert shared the news from the presser on social media.
Banks is expected to compete for a prominent role on the Vikings' defensive line in 2026. The team released starters Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen and will need a tag team partner for Jalen Redmond. Together, Redmond and Banks could be the future of the line but first their top pick in April's draft needs to get healthy.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Caleb Banks is set to be back for training camp for the Vikings
This past week, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell gave a promising update on the former Florida Gator. Banks is coming back from a broken foot he suffered during Senior Bowl practices in January, but O'Connell believes that he will be back for training camp next month.
ESPN's Kevin Seifert shared the news from the presser on social media.
Banks is expected to compete for a prominent role on the Vikings' defensive line in 2026. The team released starters Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen and will need a tag team partner for Jalen Redmond. Together, Redmond and Banks could be the future of the line but first their top pick in April's draft needs to get healthy.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Caleb Banks is set to be back for training camp for the Vikings
