Vikings OTAs are underway, and as expected, there’s not too much to take away from workouts in helmets and shorts. However, there are some off-the-field happenings that are worth exploring, as well as some small wrinkles that we can gather from our limited exposure to OTAs.
Nolan Teasley Takes the Reigns
The Vikings have their new general manager in former Seattle Seahawks assistant GM Nolan Teasley. Teasley was with the Seahawks for several Super Bowl wins and is now making the jump to GM with the Vikings. In his introductory press conference, Teasley was less verbose than former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, but he had a somewhat similar message. He focused a lot on a process-driven approach that will emphasize collaboration between him and the coaching staff. Mark Wilf also made it clear that Teasley will have the final say on the roster. Barring an off-season trade or contract extension, it will probably be a while before Teasley’s influence is felt, but it’s still something to follow as the offseason progresses.
J.J. McCarthy’s Comments
A lot was made about J.J. McCarthy’s comments about the QB battle. McCarthy said, regarding his relationship with Kyler Murray, “It’s just like two guys in a classroom. He sits on one side. I sit on the other side. And it’s the coaches’ responsibility to teach us and coach us.”
It’s been reported that both quarterbacks have looked sharp early on, and that’s all we can really ask for. Many were outraged by McCarthy’s unprofessional answer, but I would push back on that a bit. McCarthy is a competitor, and while much of the public has already decided Kyler Murray is the Vikings’ starting quarterback, he wants it to be known that he’s treating this like a true competition. Perhaps he could have been more diplomatic in his answer, but it would have been dishonest. I prefer the honesty.
Injury Updates
Although it’s not typically a problem during OTA practices, it’s worth monitoring the team’s overall health. Aside from first-round pick Caleb Banks recovering from his foot injury and Blake Cashman taking some time off for the birth of his son, the team is remarkably healthy right now. Christian Darrisaw, who was recovering from a torn ACL and MCL last offseason, has been a full participant, which is reassuring considering how important he is to the team.
