Well, it appears the quarterback controversy is back for the Minnesota Vikings, and a QB change may be coming after the bye.
Josh Dobbs put together a horrific game on Monday night as the Vikings fell to the Chicago Bears by a score of 12-10. The QB passed for just 169 yards and a single touchdown pass while also throwing 4 interceptions on the evening.
These turnovers once again bit the Vikings as they have throughout the season, allowing the Bears to dominate the time of possession battle, holding the ball for nearly 36 minutes during the game.
Is It Time for Another QB Change in Minnesota?
Kevin O’Connell was asked about a potential change at the quarterback position following the game, and his answer sure makes it seem like there could be a new man under center in Week 14 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
“We’re going to take a look. Really evaluate inventory of plays now we have of Josh,” O’Connell told reporters. “We got healthy. We got Jaren back available to us, and then Nick Mullens is available as well.”
Hall, a fifth-round draft pick by the Vikings this past spring, started in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons before leaving in the first quarter with a concussion. This allowed the Dobbs magic to begin as he led the Vikings to a comeback victory in that game and earned a win in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints.
Since then, though, it’s been tough sledding for the QB. He has 7 turnovers in the past two losses for the Vikings, and he has struggled to move the offense up and down the field.
Another comment from O’Connell following this loss was very telling. “As much as [Dobbs has] done some really good things for us, he’s still getting comfortable in our pass game,” O’Connell said. “We’re working through that.”
This bye week will be huge for Dobbs if he hopes to continue holding down the starting QB job. Dobbs has to really nail down the timing on his throws as well as where to deliver the ball. If the Vikings don’t feel confident that he can do that, a change could be in order.
Nick Mullens has been in the Vikings offense for well over a year now and should have a full grasp on how O’Connell’s offense runs. In fact, had he been healthy when Kirk Cousins suffered his Achilles tear, he may very well have been the choice for Minnesota in the first place.
Mullens has appeared in 24 NFL games throughout his career, starting 17 of them. During his six years in the league, he has thrown for 5085 yards, 27 TDs, and 23 INTs.
Additionally, Hall could go back to the lineup now that he is back and healthy. If the Vikings truly want to see what they have in the rookie, they should give him another chance at some point to lead the offense.
This is especially so considering the offense is going to be as healthy as they’ve been all season in Week 14. When Hall made his start in Week 9, neither Christian Darrisaw or Justin Jefferson were in the lineup. Darrisaw has returned to his spot at left tackle, and Jefferson is slated to return after the bye after a seven-week stint on IR.
Regardless, it looks like a tumultuous 13 days for the Vikings with many decisions to be made before their next game. At 6-6, the Vikings still hold a narrow lead for the No. 7 seed in the NFC.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
