The Minnesota Vikings' quarterback carousel is grinding away yet again, with a possible change in the lineup ahead of their clash against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday night. After a series of disappointing performances from Nick Mullens, who took over for the injured Kirk Cousins, head coach Kevin O'Connell remains non-committal on who will steer the ship in the upcoming game.
Having thrown six interceptions in the last two outings Mullens’s tenure under center could be nearing an end. “We’ve had some turnovers there is no doubt about it. The interceptions have been the story for much of the year since we lost Kirk [Cousins],” O’Connell said in a statement obtained by CBS News Minnesota. Mullens's propensity for turnovers has cast a shadow over his robust performances, such as a 400-yard passing game against the Lions, that's been overshadowed by his inability to protect the ball.
O’Connell is evaluating all options, keeping his cards close to his vest about who will start, but one potential option could be the rookie, Jaren Hall. “We're working through that right now,” O’Connell told reporters in a statement echoed by A to Z Sports Minnesota. Starting Hall, the fifth-rounder from this year’s draft would not only provide him with essential experience but could potentially mitigate the turnover issues plaguing the team.
The Vikings offense, despite injuries, notably to T.J. Hockenson, is faced with a prime opportunity to perform against a Packers defense that has displayed considerable weakness, evidenced by a shaky performance against the Panthers in Week 16. “Whomever starts at quarterback will have a very good opportunity to not only lead the Vikings to a win, but put up some good numbers in the process,” according to the A to Z Sports report.
Minnesota's football mavens will be making their decision soon, with an eye towards cohesiveness as well as strategic secrecy. “I think it's important just for to maximize our preparation for not only that player, that gets the nod, but also for whoever is going to be the number two,” O'Connell highlighted, underscoring the erratic nature of this season and the need to prep multiple quarterbacks for the unpredictability of game day. In a league where turnovers can cost you games, it seems the Viking ship is looking for a steadier hand at the helm as they sail into a critical Week 17.
