It's not close. McCarthy can't process fast enough and it leads to checkdowns and would-be sacks. Accuracy can be an issue too, and he hasn't shown the ability to throw touch passes either. 2026 training camp McCarthy is much like 2025 training camp McCarthy, with a lot of short passes- dumpoffs, screens, checkdowns- with an occasional intermediate pass mixed in. So no progress over last year.
Murray hasn't been perfect, but he's been improving as he learns the offense and just gains more comfort with new receivers, etc. He processes on time, he's calm in the pocket, throws with accuracy and sometimes anticipation. This is the skillset needed for a quality starting quarterback. Kyler demonstrates it, McCarthy does not.
McCarthy also seems to have plateaued, which is more concerning for his future than losing this competition.
Just in: Baltimore’s two-time Pro-Bowl WR Zay Flowers reached agreement today with the Ravens on a four-year, $140 million extension that includes $108 million guaranteed, per his agency @WinSportsGroup.