By Matthew Coller
Minnesota Vikings GM Nolan Teasley talked with the media for the first time since cutdown day and covered a wide range of subjects. Here’s a look at what he had to say…
What he’s seen from Kyler Murray
When Teasley was part of the Seattle Seahawks organization, they gave Kyler Murray fits with their strong defenses. Murray went just 2-9 in 11 matchups vs. Seattle with an 89.7 passer rating.
Teasley talked about what he’s learned about Murray now that he has gotten an up-close view of the former Cardinals quarterback.
“I think Kyler has really grown in his ability to manage the line of scrimmage,” Teasley said. “I think we’ve seen constant improvement throughout the preseason, throughout training camp. I’ve said this from the beginning. I’m really bullish on where he’s headed in playing in this system with this level of coaching.”
Managing the line of scrimmage — which would include getting the cadences, checks, motions and protections correct — is absolutely vital in O’Connell’s scheme. He is known for giving quarterbacks a lot of different things on their plate in order to get into a call that best suits the offense vs. the defensive look they are getting. Murray nailing the LOS will play a big role in whether he succeeds.
Teasley also mentioned that they saw Murray’s ability to throw with anticipation and work the ball into tight windows, which is also vital to the Vikings’ passing game, especially as it pertains to getting the ball to Justin Jefferson.
JJ McCarthy will not be injured to start the season
Earlier this week ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on TV that JJ McCarthy’s ankle sprain was a “multi-week” injury. Teasley clarified his availability.
“He’s practiced fully the last two days,” he said.
It seemed odd that Schefter would say that considering the Vikings thought that he was going to be able to play last Friday night in the final preseason game. O’Connell said that McCarthy was not “comfortable” playing with the ankle issue but there was no indication that the injury was serious.
Teasley’s thoughts on McCarthy
When McCarthy was drafted Teasley was in Seattle so the new GM got his first real look at the 2024 first-round pick this summer.
He was asked what he sees when he looks at McCarthy.
“He’s really talented,” Teasley said. “I think I said that from the jump. He was picked in the first round for a reason, a really good arm strength, underrated athlete, and looking forward to how he continues to to develop in this system. I think that the thing you need to keep in mind with JJ is that he plays, he has the hardest job in sport. Okay. He’s only started 10 games and his story is not written.”
In terms of what the plan is for McCarthy going forward, Teasley said:
“J.J. McCarthy’s role is to continue to develop, to improve, and to support his teammates. And he’s done an excellent job of that from the moment that I’ve been here and from my understanding since he walked through the door.”
Does Teasley expect him to be on the roster Week 1?
“I do,” he said.
Adding Kyle Van Noy