Vikings Finally Replace Josh Dobbs with Nick Mullens, Defeat Raiders 3-0

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NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Las Vegas Raiders
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It took 3.5 quarters but Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell finally made the move he should have made during the bye week, benching Josh Dobbs in the 4th quarter of Sunday’s matchup vs the Las Vegas Raiders, in favor of their original 2023 backup QB, Nick Mullens.

Josh Dobbs benched, Nick Mullens in as Minnesota Vikings starter

Surprise! Two drives later, Mullens led the Vikings’ offense down the field and gave Greg Joseph a chance at redemption, after he missed a mid-range opportunity earlier in the contest. Joseph drilled the 37-yard attempt and Minnesota will fly out of Vegas with the first 3-0 NFL victory since 2007.

Related: Raiders Brought in Three Former NFL Head Coaches to Prepare for Vikings

Dobbs forced KOC’s hand. Not only did he total only 63 yards through the air on 10 of 23 passing but his high throw over the middle to Justin Jefferson put Minnesota’s superstar in the hospital. The Vikings offense had absolutely no rhythm in a game where three points would have meant a 4th quarter lead.

Immediate difference in Vikings offense with Mullens under center

Mullens QB’d the Vikings for three 4th quarter drives and cumulated 10 less passing attempts on the night. Still, he finished the game with 20 more passing yards than Dobbs, going 9 of 13 for 83 yards.

Some of his throws were FAR from perfect, but the offense instantly looked more comfortable when he stepped onto the field. Like they knew what they were supposed to be doing again.

Tonight’s replacement performance was the 28-year-old Mullens‘ 23rd appearance in an NFL game, during his 5-year career. He’s made 17 starts and I’d expect that number to climb to 18 next weekend.

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