5 Key Takeaways from Vikings' 8/1 Training Camp Practice

EAGAN, MN — The Vikings kicked off their first public practice of training camp in front of a sold out crowd on a warm Saturday afternoon at TCO Performance Center.

Clearly, SKOL nation is ready for some football. The day started with cheers as players ran onto the practice field with eyes fixed intently on the quarterback battle, new roster additions, the team’s explosive weapons, and more.

Here are the five things that caught my eye in the Vikings’ first open practice of the year.

1. Kyler Murray’s potential in this offense is sky-high

A Minnesota tradition like no other: another year of training camp brings another projected starter to the quarterback room. Kyler Murray grew up a Vikings fan and used Saturday’s practice to show out in his first public practice for his childhood team.

Murray and McCarthy alternated deep shots in individual drills with their receivers before the team period began. Murray was then given the first go with the starters on offense. One thing stood out early on: Murray delivers the ball with a level of accuracy that J.J. McCarthy is still working to do consistently.

Murray was precise, effective, and decisive in 11-on-11 work and utilized Justin Jefferson early on an impressive pass downfield. While the two are still figuring out their timing together, the potential is already flashing. From my count, Murray had only one incompletion in 12 attempts in the 11-on-11 period of practice.

He then kicked off 7-on-7 red zone work first and looked poised as he delivered multiple scoring throws. It should also be noted that Murray's dominant day did not even feature his elite mobility being fully utilized. Simply put, Murray was on fire, and McCarthy would need to have a stellar day to match.

2. J.J. McCarthy’s worst habits reemerge

To say J.J. McCarthy had a less-than-ideal day would be putting it lightly.  He still seemed to struggle with placing the football accurately and with a level of consistency the Vikings are hoping to see.

McCarthy struggled in 11 on 11s, missing receivers and throwing a tipped ball interception to Blake Cashman. Then McCarthy got his go in the red zone 7-on-7 period. Unfortunately for the Nine Army, it did not go well, as McCarthy had multiple incompletions and struggled to process the defense as quickly as Murray had.

He did find undrafted free agent WR Dillon Bell in the back of the end zone for his best throw of the drill. The most glaring issue of all was McCarthy’s processing time. One play in particular, that would have been an Ivan Pace Jr. sack in real action, ended in a brutal miss to Jordan Mason on what should have been an easy, short completion. McCarthy will need to shake off Saturday's performance before the team returns to practice in pads on Monday.