What did we learn about the Minnesota Vikings from their first matchup of the 2023 NFL preseason against the Seattle Seahawks?
Even though the results don't count during the NFL preseason, the Minnesota Vikings would have probably liked to get a win in their first exhibition matchup of the year against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, especially since the Vikings haven't earned a victory in a preseason game since 2019.
But the Seahawks had other plans on Thursday as they left their home stadium with a 24-13 win over Minnesota, despite trailing the Vikings 10-0 midway through the second quarter.
While they fell short of a victory in Seattle, we were still able to learn plenty about the Vikings. So looking back at all of the action from Thursday, what are some of the biggest takeaways from a contest that resulted in Minnesota's eighth-straight preseason loss?
Takeaway No. 1
Jaren Hall is still behind Nick Mullens in the QB2 battle
After the Vikings selected former BYU quarterback Jaren Hall in this year's NFL Draft, some felt he could potentially challenge Nick Mullens for the No. 2 signal-caller job on Minnesota's depth chart this season.
Well, if Thursday's contest was any indication, Mullens is likely going to hold onto the role of Kirk Cousins' backup this year.
After Mullens performed well in the first half against the Seahawks (14-for-20, 139 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions, 106.0 rating), Hall was given the opportunity to play under center for the Vikings during the entire second half.
The rookie had a few moments where he displayed his ability to avoid the pass rush with his mobility, but Minnesota's offense struggled to do much during his time on the field, and he finished the game completing just six of his 14 passes for 37 yards.
On the plus side, Hall didn't turn the ball over, and he gets two more chances this summer to prove that he belongs on the Vikings' regular-season roster, no matter if he wins the No. 2 quarterback job or not.