Rookie Jaren Hall has the potential to become a legend for the Minnesota Vikings, and he couldn’t be in a better position to take on the Green Bay Packers.
Tobe fair, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell will get more of an opportunity with BYU’s rookie quarterback than veteran Nick Mullens, who has started the past two games. But what do the Vikings have to lose if they lose four of their last five games and barely keep their playoff hopes alive? It’s not like Mullens set the world on fire, going 0-2 with four touchdowns and six interceptions in two starts. This game is also a great opportunity for a young quarterback with potential like Hall. Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry has become opposing quarterbacks’ best friend in recent weeks thanks to his presence in Green Bay’s hot spot.
In a loss to the New York Giants, his defense allowed Tommy DeVito to complete 17 of 21 passes for 158 yards and a 71-yard rushing touchdown. After a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following weekend, Barry Baker made Mayfield look like a future Hall of Famer.Mayfield completed 22 of 28 passes for 381 yards and four touchdowns against the Packers with a 158.3 passer rating.Sure, the Packers beat the Carolina Panthers last weekend, but Barry’s defense made rookie Bryce Young look like a superstar.
He completed 23 of 36 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns. Green Bay’s defense gave up three touchdowns in the second half and completely lost the game by the time Carolina’s final possession expired. The problem is, Hall may have only completed 10 passes so far in his young career, but he’ll certainly be a threat if Barry coaches Green Bay’s defense Sunday night against the Packers.
