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CINCINNATI (AP) The Vikings got the improved quarterback play they were looking for with Nick Mullens behind center. Whether he can lead Minnesota to the playoffs remains to be seen.Mullens, the fourth quarterback to start for the Vikings this season, was 26 of 33 for 303 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday. But he also had a pair of interceptions in to the Cincinnati Bengals.I thought Nick Mullens played well enough to give us a chance to go into overtime on the road and win a game, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said. As a team, we just didnt do enough in the end.The Vikings led 17-3 in the fourth quarter, Neil Walker Jersey but the Bengals scored touchdowns on three consecutive po se sions to send the game to OT.ADVERTISEMENT Minnesota forced a punt on the Bengals' first po se sion of the extra period, but Mullens was stopped short on a QB sneak on fourth-and-1, and Cincinnati went on to win it on Evan McPherson Brian Anderson Jersey 's 29-yard field goal.Very unfortunate, O'Connell said. Come on the road and battle a team thats playing well right now. Felt like we let one slip away.The Vikings have three games remaining, all against NFC North opponents. They face the division-leading Lions twice and host the Packers.Very fortunate to have two of them at home, O'Connell said. We know all three teams. Well put together some good plans and attack every opportunity to go win them all.This was the 18th NFL start for the 28-year-old Mullens and his first since 2021. If he remains the Vikings' starter, he'll face three pre sure-packed games.Were aware that playoffs are still an opportunity, Mullens said. Thats the goal we are all chasing. At the same time, I'm just focused on one play at a time.Mullens made three throws on Saturday that he'd like to have back.One was intercepted by Mike Hilton at the goal line. Another was a juggling interception by B.J. Hill at the Bengals 30.Fortunately for Mullens, a pick-6 by Germaine Pratt in the fourth quarter that would have Caleb Smith Jersey given Cincinnati the lead was negated by an offsides call. Absolute grind Jon Berti Jersey of a football game, Mullens said. It stinks for sure. I love our group and were not backing down. Teams just going to keep pre sing. Excited to get back to work.Since a season-ending injury to Kirk Cousins in Week 8, the Vikings started rookie Jaren Hall for one game before turning to Joshua Dobbs for four straight. Dobbs was benched late in last week's 3-0 win at Las Vegas.Mullens had much greater succe s finding playmaking receivers Jordan Addison (six catches, 111 yards, two TDs) and Justin Jefferson (seven receptions, 84 yards). Still, OConnell wouldnt commit to Mullens being the starter on Dec. 24 against the Lions. Nick showed that he can execute our offense and move the football team, O'Connell said. What we have to continue to work with through are those plays where we dont try to do too much. Nicks out there for really the second time this season and theres a lot to work through.The Vikings (7-7) are still in playoff position for now. Five teams are a half-game behind them in the NFC. We're still in it, Jefferson said. Even this game, we're one, two plays away from winning the game. That's the difficult part about it. Jose Fernandez Jersey We've got to move on and think about next week.___AP NFL: |
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发表于 2025-5-26 18:58:15