Quarterbacks Valuing Every Rep of Vikings Minicamp 

Finding a balance between steady progress and extending oneself grace is tricky, Murray acknowledged.

“This is a different territory, obviously, having to learn a new offense on the fly but, at the same time, trying to be efficient, trying to be accurate and find my way within the offense, and understanding what [Head Coach Kevin O’Connell] wants us to accomplish within each concept,” Murray said. “But at the same time, giving myself grace. You’re going to make mistakes; you’re going to turn the ball over. Obviously you don’t want to, but this is the time — this is the learning phase and the time to do those things.

“When you do have days where you feel like, ‘I wish I had that back, I wish I had that throw back,’ whatever it is, coaches [are] reminding you, staying on you about, ‘Hey, this is the learning phase; you’re new to this,’ ” he later added.

While Murray works to master Head Coach Kevin O’Connell’s system, McCarthy is concentrated on continued improvement entering his third season in Purple.

The 23-year-old told reporters he “feels so good” at this point in the summer, noting that every year of familiarity in the scheme is invaluable.

Part of the process throughout OTAs and minicamp, and preparing for training camp, is continuing to learn from Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and the 16 seasons of NFL playing experience he brings to the table.

Though this is Murray’s first time working directly McCown, he is well-acquainted with the QB-turned-coach. Both are Texas natives and have crossed paths multiple times over their careers, including during respective training sessions in the Lone Star State.

“A couple years ago I was working out, and he was actually working out with his son at a high school nearby, and we connected,” Murray said. “Then I talked to him after we (the Cardinals) played the Vikings, so he’s always been in my ear.

“Us having that Texas connection … everything that we talk about, it’s been organic the whole time,” Murray added. “I think that helps within the room as well as on the field when he’s coaching me.”