26 August 2023
Vikings rookie quarterback Jaren Hall has come a long way over the past few weeks.
After struggling to call plays in the huddle in the preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks, Hall played the entirety of the preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium. He completed 17 of 28 passes for 178 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
His effort wasn’t enough for the Vikings in the end, though, and they lost 18-17 to the Arizona Cardinals after leading for most of the game.
That dropped head coach Kevin O’Connell to 0-6 in preseason games since taking over in Minnesota before the 2022 season. His exhibition record makes some sense considering O’Connell believes in keeping his starters in bubble wrap ahead of the regular season.
Shortly after the Vikings went through warmups, it became apparent that Hall was going to get a lot of playing time. Not only was starting quarterback Kirk Cousins spotted on the sideline without pads, so too was backup Nick Mullens, with the coaching staff not wanting to take any chances.
There were good and bad things from Hall throughout the game. He had some swagger as he commanded the offense, making several impressive throws. He also looked indecisive in the pocket at times, leading to him taking a number of sacks.
It was a very nice start for Hall as he led a 10-play, 75-yard drive that ended with rookie running back DeWayne McBride plunging into the end zone for a touchdown. The march down the field featured Hall completing passes to receiver Jalen Reagor and tight end Nick Muse for big gains, while also using his legs to avoid pressure and extend plays.
The next possession gave rookie safety Jay Ward a chance to show the Vikings what he can do. On the bubble heading into roster cuts next week, Ward charged in unblocked off the edge on a blitz, then crushed Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune to force a fumble.
On the very next play, the Vikings took complete control as Hall found running back Abram Smith leaking out of the backfield for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead.
Though the offense stalled out a few times after that, Hall managed to get the Vikings back on track before halftime. He was extremely effective in the two-minute drill, completing passes to Trishton Jackson for 19 yards, Lucky Jackson for 14 yards and Blake Proehl for 21 yards.
The latter pass was without a doubt the most impressive as Hall climbed up in the pocket like a seasoned veteran before dropping a time to Proehl near the sideline. Unfortunately for Hall, he couldn’t finish the drive, and kicker Greg Joseph knocked in a field goal.
It got pretty ugly for the Vikings after halftime with the offense unable to get into a rhythm and the defense unable to get off the field in pivotal situations.
As a result, Cardinals quarterback David Blough, who spent time with the Vikings last season, mounted a big comeback. He started by finding receiver Davion Davis for a touchdown on a broken play, then a little bit later in the game, Blough rushed for a touchdown himself.
All of a sudden, the Vikings found themselves trailing the Cardinals, and Hall trotted onto the field late with a chance to play hero. He moved the Vikings down the field before having to settle for a 54-yard field goal attempt that Joseph pushed wide right.
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