Vikings’ new quarterback Kyler Murray is never going to escape the height jokes that have followed him for seven seasons since he’s been with Arizona. Murray, the former No. 1 overall pick, is listed at 5-foot-10, and what makes things worrisome for Minnesota fans is that Kevin O’Connell has his quarterback under center almost as much as he has them in shotgun. The Vikings utilize the outside zone run and play-action pass almost as much as anyone in the league.
On Thursday, O’Connell revealed to the media that Murray has already had issues seeing over the tall Minnesota linemen. but he couldn’t see on a play,” O’Connell said on Thursday. “He didn’t want to tell me that. So, he prefaced it with, I know I’m not allowed to say this, but and uh… we both got a laugh out of it “It’s going to happen from time to time, depending on the angle and how the protection and rush patterns work. That’s going to be part of it, but he also has a lot of experience understanding space based upon the defense they play and what we’re trying to do from a standpoint of attacking voids and vacancies.”
MORE: Kevin O’Connell explains J.J. McCarthy’s future with the Vikings A change in philosophy in Minnesota? Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) hands off to running back Jordan Mason (27) during the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) According to NFL Savant, Minnesota was under center for 46.3% of its plays last season.
The Vikings were in shotgun for 55.8% of their calls. And that would be a big change for Murray. In 2025, Arizona was in shotgun 70% of its plays and the Cardinals were under center only 27.5% of the time. Arizona had to mask the potential of Murray not seeing over the line under center. While O’Connell isn’t going to stray far from what he’s used to doing, it’s certainly a question that needs to be asked. Will the Vikings run more plays in shotgun?
With Murray being in shotgun, he is one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the NFL. While he can make plays through the air, what sets him apart from other signal callers is his ability to extend plays with his legs and scramble for yards when needed. If O’Connell does choose to be in shotgun more in 2026, it’s going to benefit Murray, and fans won’t need to worry about him seeing over 6-foot-6 and taller linemen. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
