The Minnesota Vikings have faced significant challenges in their quarterback department, with Kirk Cousins sidelined for the season. The team’s recent struggles have led to questions about the responsibility for these issues, particularly in handling the quarterback situation. Despite the decline in offensive performance, Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller argues that there is limited cause for concern regarding Kevin O’Connell’s management of the quarterbacks.
Since Cousins’ injury, the Vikings have experienced a downturn, dropping from seventh in scoring and yards under O’Connell’s offense to 22nd in points and 12th in yards this season. Coller points out that the decline is influenced by the backup quarterbacks, Josh Dobbs and Nick Mullens, who had a combined career record of 6-21 before their starts for the Vikings.
Hall, the fifth-round pick in the 2023 draft, was not expected to be the savior for a team in playoff contention but has been thrust into the role. Coller acknowledges the difficulties faced by these backup quarterbacks, emphasizing the speed and complexity of the NFL, particularly for a rookie like Jaren Hall. While Hall struggled in a recent game against the Green Bay Packers, Coller attributes some of the challenges to the demanding nature of the league and the need for Hall to gain more experience through practice and training camps.
Coller also discusses the performances of Mullens and Dobbs. Mullens, known for turnovers, threw six interceptions in four appearances for the Vikings, while Dobbs had moments of success but faced challenges in subsequent games. The author recognizes the limitations of the replacement quarterbacks but suggests that not all blame should be placed on them.
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The Vikings’ struggles extend beyond the quarterback position, with issues in the running game and a lackluster screen game. Coller highlights the team’s difficulties in utilizing the screen game effectively, which could have been beneficial for backup quarterbacks. He notes that the Vikings, even with Cousins leading, had problems in this aspect of their offense.
As the Vikings face uncertainty in making the playoffs and with Cousins potentially entering contract negotiations, Coller raises questions about the future of the quarterback position. The possibility of drafting a quarterback or re-signing Cousins looms, and Coller emphasizes the team’s need for self-analysis to address running game deficiencies and improve overall offensive performance.
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