Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell Moves Rookie Up the Depth Chart
Nick Mullens is the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings entering Week 15. In his more than a year on the team, this is the first time. That is noteworthy in and of itself, and he also has the opportunity to create history.
But the Vikings’ chances for the remainder of the season are just as much dependent on what transpired behind him on the depth chart. It might also provide insight into the events of the previous several weeks.
Josh Hobbs is the emergency quarterback, and Jaren Hall will be the starting quarterback, according to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell’s statement via the team on December 14. “Of course, they’ll all be dressed accordingly. With those men, we’ll follow our regular procedure while creating this game plan making sure, whoever’s in the game, that they feel good about the things that I’m calling.”
Wes Phillips, the offensive coordinator for the Vikings, felt the same way about Mullens replacing Dobbs. Dobbs was acquired by Minnesota during the trade deadline from the Arizona Cardinals.
Phillips likened learning the alphabet to Dobbs’ learning curve. Dobbs, however, was “jumping in at Z.” Everyone else, including Mullens and Hall in a similar spirit, began at the beginning. But he was a vital addition given that all three of their starting quarterbacks were sidelined with injury on opening day.
“We have a process in place now to be prepared for pretty much everything, given how this season is going,” O’Connell remarked.
The Vikings are getting back to their usual routine. Kirk Cousins was backed up by Mullens and Hall at the start of the season.
Vikings Rearranged Depth Chart; Rookie Was Ready Like “He Was Playing”
O’Connell stated, “Jaren is fully healthy now, and he has really worked through his continued development and gotten back on the grass.” I kind of wanted him to act like he was playing this week while he went about his business. merely utilizing it as an actual tool for his personal progress. He’s done a great job, so I just want to kind of approach it that way.
This might give credence to rumors that Mullens isn’t ready for the lead role. Mike Florio of NBC Sports introduced the concept on “PFT.”
“It’s over, Josh Dobbs. Maybe, Nick Mullens, it’s beginning. However, Florio added, “I don’t think it will last very long either.” “I believe Jaren Hall will eventually be in there.”
With where he is on the Vikings depth chart, Hall’s time may arrive sooner rather than later. However, this does not preclude the Vikings from turning back to Dobbs in an emergency.
Josh Dobbs, according to O’Connell, “will be ready to play like he has to help us go 3-2 over the last five [weeks].” “I mean, he led us to a victory and entered the game with a lot less work than he had against Atlanta [in Week 9].”
“I have a ton of faith in the three guys. I know that’s how our whole offensive team feels.
And we consider ourselves lucky to have that level of depth in that room, especially after losing Kirk.
“Looking Forward” to Nick Mullens’ First Start, Kevin O’Connell
“Excited to watch Nick go out there,” O’Connell remarked. “[He] practiced pretty well this past week. [He] experienced some degree of comfort from the actions carried out by our system. And maybe we can get the other ten men in the huddle to play at their highest level and have a successful offensive day.
In the Vikings’ Week 14 game, Mullens completed 69.2% of his throws for 83 yards. He contributed to the team’s 3-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
In Week 15, he’ll probably have to do more against the Cincinnati Bengals. Additionally, history will be at stake.
On December 14, Kevin Seifert of ESPN reported, “According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Vikings will be the 29th NFL team since 1950 to endure that frequency of turnover at the position.” “With the exception of the 1987 strike season, none of them won with all four of their starters during that seven-game span.”
In addition, a victory would increase the Vikings’ odds of qualifying for the postseason from 63.1% to 78.5%. In a loss, according to Seifert and the ESPN Football Power Index, their chances decrease to 51.5%. There are many things riding on a player’s first start for new team.
