Nick Mullens is finalized by Vikings’ O’Connell following the Lions’ defeat.

Quarterback Nick Mullens has been advised by Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell to play inside the system and refrain from forcing throws for the past two weeks.

Regardless of the message, Sunday, December 24, against the Detroit Lions, produced the same outcomes.

At his core, Mullens was a gunslinger, and he completed his throw play with 411 yards and four interceptions, including a clumsy pass in the red zone that Lions defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu intercepted to stop what could have been a game-winning drive with 58 seconds remaining. Mullens threw away the game on his final ball, and Detroit won the NFC North division title for the first time in thirty years with a 30-24 loss.

Mullens has thrown six interceptions in two straight losses, which have cost the Vikings, who appear to be playing every opponent until the last minute.

“We’ll examine all those interceptions and endeavor to assist Nick in improving,” O’Connell stated at his press conference following the game. “We will examine every aspect, including decision-making, timing, accuracy, and trusting the decision, and where we want the ball to end up, before modifying our game plan going forward.”

O’Connell Talks About Playcalling During the Lions Loss.

In Mullens’ two starts, the Vikings offense has averaged 407 yards, but O’Connell’s playcalling has come under scrutiny.

Due to difficulties in the rushing game, the Vikings had trouble controlling the ball against the Lions. O’Connell decided to move the ball through the air, which set off the rollercoaster that is Mullens, and they only managed 15 yards on 11 carries.

Effectively moving the ball, the seasoned backup completed 22 of 36 pass attempts and converted 15 first downs. Compared to Jared Goff’s 6.0 yards per completion, he averaged an astounding 9.3 yards per completion.