ESPN: In the crucial Week 17 showdown, the Vikings’ quarterback decision benefits the Packers.
The Minnesota Vikings are making another quarterback change, and it plays into the Green Bay Packers’ hands.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported that rookie Jaren Hall will get the start in Week 17 against the Packers. It means Nick Mullens will go to the bench.
Minnesota had lost its two games with Mullens starting, but he was able to move the ball in both, throwing for 714 yards and four touchdowns in losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions. The concern was his six interceptions, but the Vikings scored 48 points in the two games.
Since getting traded to the Vikings, Dobbs threw for 895 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions while also rushing for 163 yards and three touchdowns. Minnesota went 3-2 in those games, although one was a 3-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Dobbs was benched in that game.
Why Jaren Hall starting gives Packers chance to get crucial victory vs. Vikings
The Packers have to win this game. Joe Barry’s struggling defense gets the chance to go against a fifth-round rookie who has barely played in the NFL.
Hall entered the game against the Packers at Lambeau Field following Kirk Cousins’ injury. He completed three passes for 23 yards and lost a fumble. Hall started the next game, completing five of six passes for 78 yards, but suffered an injury and hasn’t played since.
It’s a must-win for the Packers and Vikings, but Minnesota is handing only a second NFL start to a fifth-round rookie.
That should make it a favorable matchup for the Packers’ defense, but Barry’s unit is struggling against just about every quarterback right now.
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