Vikings Fans Want Jaren Hall to Start. But Here’s the Problem.
By an overwhelming margin, Minnesota Vikings fans want the current quarterback debate to end with the selection of rookie passer Jaren Hall as QB1.
Vikings Fans Want Jaren Hall to Start. But Here’s the Problem.
That wish may be unlikely, but the team’s faithful have spoken. We polled folks on the X app last week, and Hall won by a landslide via fan preference.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell will reportedly announce his quarterback decision on Wednesday, and recent sentiment suggests Joshua Dobbs, the incumbent, will remain in charge. While fans indeed desire the young guy’s opportunity, there’s one problem.
O’Connell is tasked with winning now, not necessarily rolling over and dying or sizing up Hall for the future.
The central argument in favor of Hall is this: “You might as well see what you have in Hall because you’re probably not winning a Super Bowl anyway this season.”
That thesis has its merits — Minnesota probably won’t win the chip without its original QB1 — but folks must remember that mentality is their personal motto. Head coaches don’t think in terms of “we’re not going to win, so screw it.”
Minnesota currently has hold of a playoff spot, the No. 6 seed, courtesy of its five-game winning streak in October and November. In fact, finishing the season 4-1 or 3-2 should punch a ticket to the postseason. Inserting a rookie “to see what he’s got” doesn’t jibe with a team that must win now — like this weekend.
To be fair, Hall played two offensive drives against the Atlanta Falcons one month ago and performed quite well on one. He then succumbed to a concussion, and the Joshua Dobbs Show began the same day. So, credit to the Pro-Hall group: The man appeared like he could succeed.
But that was one drive.
It’s easy for a fan to emotionally mail it in after Kirk Cousins’ injury because the team won’t realistically win the Super Bowl. Head coaches aren’t hired or paid to think like that. Neither are players. All things considered, if O’Connell shared the “we’re not going anywhere, so I am throwing the rookie into the fire” opinion, he shouldn’t be an NFL head coach.
If, in a few weeks, the Vikings have a 6-8 or 6-9 record, then is an appropriate time to give Hall some playing time. But unless O’Connell genuinely believes Hall is the best quarterback of Joshua Dobbs, Nick Mullens, and the 25-year-old, now is not the time to quit on a season for 2024 quarterback evaluations.
And that’s why Dobbs or Mullens will likely be named the starter on Wednesday afternoon.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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