28 December 2023
The writing was on the wall for the Vikings to make another quarterback change. Though head coach Kevin O’Connell liked how explosive the offensive looked at times on Christmas Eve, he was clearly perturbed by fact that veteran quarterback Nick Mullens continuously turned the ball over in a 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions.
“We have to maintain possession of the football,” O’Connell said. “The turnover margin has been well talked about.”
That’s why the Vikings have handed the keys to rookie quarterback Jaren Hall ahead of their New Year’s Eve game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. As much as O’Connell has harped on the turnover margin this season, he couldn’t in good faith continue to trot out Mullens under center.
Asked if he thinks his desire to be explosive is the root of the issue, O’Connell sidestepped the question, instead noting that the interceptions from Mullens must be dissected in a vacuum,
Here is the story of each interception that led to Mullens getting benched in favor of Hall.
Interception No. 1
Situation: Fourth and 2 from Detroit’s 40-yard line
After taking the snap out of the shotgun, Mullens only needed a couple of yards to move the chains. He went through his progression in the pocket, and while star receiver Justin Jefferson seemed to break open over the middle, Mullens instead uncorked a deep pass to rookie receiver Jordan Addison. The play design worked and might have actually gone for a touchdown had Mullens led Addison into open space like he was supposed to. In an attempt to put touch on the ball, Mullens lofted it into the air, which allowed Lions safety Brian Branch time to rise up for an interception.
Interception No. 2
Situation: Third and 7 from Minnesota’s 18-yard line
This was a classic case of Mullens thinking he can make a throw that he can’t actually make. After scanning the field and seeing Addison break open on a corner route, Mullens launches a deep pass toward the sideline. The only issue? He doesn’t have the arm strength to get the ball there in time. There are a select few players that could have made that throw, and Mullens is not in that group. The result was safety Kerby Jospeh undercutting the route and swooping in for an interception. To make matters worse, Addison got rolled up on while trying to make the tackle and might have to miss some playing time.
Interception No. 3
Situation: Third and 18 from Minnesota’s 17-yard line
The down and distance called for taking a shot downfield. Naturally, there was absolutely no hesitation from Mullens as he uncorked a bomb to Jefferson. Now if only he would have given him a chance to make a play on the ball. Because the deep pass was so egregiously overthrown, Jefferson couldn’t catch up to it, and Joseph hauled in an interception without having to fight for it. This was an arm punt that didn’t need to be an arm punt.
Interception No. 4
Situation: First and 10 from Detroit’s 30-yard line
If the Vikings miss the playoffs, they will be thinking about this one play in particular. As much as Mullens struggled with ball security, the game was there to be won in the final minute. After putting a double move on his defender, Jefferson was running wide open. In that moment, the ball either needed to be zipped in with anticipation near the goal line or floated toward the back of the end zone. Ultimately, Mullens threw a wobbler that looked more like a shanked punt, and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu raced in for an interception that should have been a touchdown.
Related Articles
Vikings name rookie Jaren Hall starting QB against Packers
Former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen is a Hall of Fame finalist for fourth time
Viking won’t have to deal with Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander this weekend
Justin Jefferson praises Kirk Cousins with decision looming for Vikings
The Loop Fantasy Football Report Week 17: Finale will be a bit lighter on Vikings