Vikings coach says Kyler Murray exceeds mental expectations in quarterback race

Head coach Kevin O'Connell said Kyler Murray has progressed mentally faster than expected in the Minnesota Vikings' ongoing quarterback competition, despite having less time in the new offensive system than rookie J.J. McCarthy. > "I think mentally he’s definitely probably ahead of where I thought," O'Connell told ESPN's Kevin Seifert. Murray, who joined the team this offseason, remains a leading candidate for the starting role, but O'Connell indicated that the overall timeline for a decision remains unchanged. > "Nothing has really changed from a standpoint of the timeline and things like that. So we’ll see how the reps continue to go and when we feel like we’re at that place, we’re going to make sure we communicate that both in house and internally and obviously to you guys as soon as possible." The Vikings open the preseason against the New York Giants on Saturday, a game that could further clarify the quarterback situation.