Vikings QB Plan Already Facing Major Concerns Just Days Into Camp
The Minnesota Vikings’ backup strategy behind rookie J.J. McCarthy is already showing cracks.
Just four days into training camp, quarterback Sam Howell has had a rocky start, struggling noticeably against the Vikings’ first-team defense. This early performance is raising red flags about whether Howell could competently run Kevin O’Connell’s offense should McCarthy miss time.
“Another tough day for Sam Howell,” reported Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller on July 27. “It’s still early, but it’s been bad… My biggest concern is that he led the league in sacks in Washington and just hasn’t shown he can get the ball out quickly. When he throws, it’s not wildly inaccurate — he’s just not throwing it.”
With limited quarterback options available this late in the offseason, the pressure is mounting on Howell to improve — or else McCarthy will be forced to carry even more responsibility as a rookie.
Howell Feeling the Heat
Howell, a fifth-round pick in 2022, started all of last season for the Washington Commanders — a team that ultimately flopped and ended up drafting Jayden Daniels. During that campaign, Howell led the NFL in both pass attempts and sacks (65), while also throwing 21 interceptions.
So far in Minnesota, the same issues appear to be resurfacing.
Coller noted that Howell’s early camp struggles are becoming a concerning trend. “The heat has turned up on Sam Howell over these last couple days because it’s just been such a struggle,” he said.
QB3 Battle Heating Up
Interestingly, the Vikings’ other quarterbacks haven’t had the same issues. Rookie Max Brosmer, a Minnesota product, has been impressive despite facing second-string defenders. His competition with Brett Rypien for the third-string spot is becoming one of camp’s most intriguing battles.
Still, Howell’s biggest competition may be himself.
“Every time Brosmer steps in, he does something right,” Coller added. “Meanwhile, Sam Howell vs. Sam Howell hasn’t gone well.”
Will the Vikings Look Elsewhere?
With the free-agent QB market mostly dried up, Minnesota might need to consider a trade if Howell doesn’t improve. But for now, head coach Kevin O’Connell is sticking with his development plan and remains committed to Howell — at least through the preseason opener on August 9.
“We believe there’s still plenty of room for Sam to grow,” O’Connell said back in April. “We’re confident in Josh McCown coaching that room, and we love the talent around the quarterback position. Our goal is to evolve our system to be as quarterback-friendly as possible — while still doing what it takes to win games.”
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