As he reflected on his game performance on Christmas Eve, veteran quarterback Nick Mullens fully understands why he’s no longer starting for the Vikings.
“It’s pretty cut and dry,” he said. “You turn the ball over and probably aren’t going to be in the game.”
That indeed is the case as Mullens officially has been benched for rookie quarterback Jaren Hall.
The turnovers were the biggest issue for Mullens in his two games as the starter. He threw two interceptions in a 27-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, then four more in 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions.
In an honest assessment of himself, Mullens admitted, “I feel like I let the team down.”
His final pass attempt against the Lions sticks with him because it should been a touchdown. If Mullens would have led star receiver Justin Jefferson with his throw near the Detroit goal line, the Vikings most likely would have won the game in dramatic fashion. Instead, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu swooped in at the last second for an interception that put the game on ice.
It’s the NFL,” Mullens said. “If you make the throw, you’re a hero. If I you don’t make the throw, you’re on the bench. That’s the life we live.”
Mullens’ mistakes overshadowed the fact that he showed he’s actually capable of running the offense. He finished with 303 passing yards against the Bengals, then 411 passing yards against the Lions. If he could have cut his turnovers in half, there’s a very good chance the Vikings would have won both games.
