Lindsey Young

EAGAN, Minn.J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray are making the most of every rep with the Vikings first- or second-team offense.

Each of the Vikings quarterbacks spoke with Twin Cities media members following Tuesday's mandatory minicamp practice, during which snaps were shared between the pair (minus a few for Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer).

McCarthy and Murray continue to be in competition with one another for Minnesota's starting QB spot but neither is fixated on that aspect of the situation. As they've both said previously, controlling what they can is paramount.

"I'm only focused on that next rep and whatever's in front of me to help improve that next rep," McCarthy said. "I've been walking it and talking it, and I'm going to continue to do that.

"It feels the same every day," he later added. "I mean, even last year I'm just competing with myself to be the best kind of person I can for this team, the best kind of quarterback, and at the end of the day, the more we do that rising tides lift all ships, and we'll be in a good spot by that."

Murray opened Tuesday's session with the first team during 7-on-7 drills before McCarthy followed with four reps with the second group.

Later on, McCarthy worked with the first team in a 7-on-7 for a 2-minute drill before Murray's turn in the same scenario occurred with the second team. Each QB drove his group from its 40 with 1:05 remaining to put the offense within Will Reichard's range for a field goal (kicks were not attempted during the practice period).

McCarthy and Murray individually hold themselves to high standards, and the elder QB discussed how that perfectionist mentality can be challenging, especially while learning a new offense.

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."

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Entering his eighth NFL season, Murray's coaches have run the gamut from no playing experience to extensive work at the pro level; all are valuable in different ways, but a former player provides a unique perspective.

"There's an element to having Josh, who has played the game, coaching from that lens," Murray said. "Not coming in Monday, 'Why'd you do that? Why'd you do this?' He understands what happens on the football field on Sunday. How it's difficult, obviously, to play at a high level, but at the same time he's going to coach us hard because he knows what it's supposed to look like."

The Vikings are slated to have two more mandatory minicamp practices Wednesday and Thursday. Another round of voluntary OTA practices are on Minnesota's calendar next week before the team has its summer break.

Murray and McCarthy won't take "break" too literally, however, as understand the importance of staying dialed in and spending time throwing before reconvening in Minnesota.

"I don't look at summer as a 'get away from football' type of deal," Murray said. "I think honestly, being a veteran, I'm not the type of guy to go away and chill or something like that. I'll continue to be working.

"We're [getting closer to] ramping up into the season," he continued, "and I think that's where we can, again, continue to make a change, make a difference. And for me, keep growing and keep learning the offense."

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