The Minnesota Vikings are placing their trust once again in quarterback Nick Mullens for the upcoming regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions, coach Kevin O'Connell announced on Wednesday
This decision comes after Mullens' recent performance against the Lions on December 24, where he threw for 411 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions in a 30-24 loss. Mullens' previous start against the Lions led to a close defeat, prompting a quarterback switch to Hall for the subsequent game against the Green Bay Packers.
Despite the challenging journey, coach O'Connell expressed Mullens' fit for the team, highlighting the explosiveness of the offense under his leadership.
"Nick has been very effective moving the team," O'Connell said. "We've been very explosive as an offense when he's been in there. Nick knows the one area that we must focus on is possession of the football and not giving the football away,” he added.
However, he also emphasized the need for the team to focus on ball possession and avoid turnovers, particularly after Mullens' two starts against the Bengals and Lions.
QB changes
The Vikings' decision to turn to Mullens marks the fifth change in starting quarterbacks for the team since Kirk Cousins suffered a torn Achilles tendon on October 29 in Green Bay. Rookie Jaren Hall was the initial substitute for Cousins, but a concussion forced him out of his first start. Joshua Dobbs provided a brief spark, but his four interceptions in a loss to Chicago on November 27 led to his removal from the lineup.
Mullens took over from there but faced challenges, throwing four interceptions against Detroit on Dec. 24. This prompted O'Connell to choose Hall for the critical game against Green Bay. Mullens then replaced Hall after halftime in last week's loss to Green Bay following an interception and a fumble by Hall that led to Packers' touchdowns.
O'Connell expressed confidence in Mullens' ability to keep the team competitive. Mullens' experience in the playbook played a role in the coaching decision, given his 16 months with the team compared to Joshua Dobbs' two months in Minnesota.
O'Connell did not disclose the backup quarterback for the upcoming game, believing that the team is still working through that decision.
“They’re really important decisions," O'Connell said. "You want to make sure you’re communicating.” O’Connell expressed that the decision is ultimately about what’s best for Vikings to see if the team can have a quality performance on offense.
Difficult season
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson said the season has been a roller coaster because of all the injuries, turnovers and quarterback changes. However, he praised the team's quarterbacks for jumping in and out of the lineup. According to Jefferson, considering the frequent changes in the quarterback position, every player who assumed that role did an excellent job handling the challenges.
"It's not an easy role," he added. "We have one of the most difficult offenses in the league, and especially when we have had our starting quarterback that hasn't been hurt since I've been here."
Jefferson expressed confidence in the decision-making process regarding the quarterback position, saying, “If it’s Kirk, perfect. If it’s whoever they choose, that’s not my decision.”
Viking’s star player then concluded that regardless of the quarterback lineup, he will continue to be himself and play his best ball when he’s out on the field.
