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. ****** ody'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.
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
#mccarthy #bloggers #darren #caleb
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. ****** ody'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.
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
#mccarthy #bloggers #darren #caleb
3 months ago
