As he reflected on his game performance on Christmas Eve, veteran quarterback Nick Mullens fully understands why he’s no longer starting for the Vikings.

“It’s pretty cut and dry,” he said. “You turn the ball over and probably aren’t going to be in the game.”

That indeed is the case as Mullens officially has been benched for rookie quarterback Jaren Hall.

The turnovers were the biggest issue for Mullens in his two games as the starter. He threw two interceptions in a 27-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, then four more in 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions.

In an honest assessment of himself, Mullens admitted, “I feel like I let the team down.”

His final pass attempt against the Lions sticks with him because it should been a touchdown. If Mullens would have led star receiver Justin Jefferson with his throw near the Detroit goal line, the Vikings most likely would have won the game in dramatic fashion. Instead, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu swooped in at the last second for an interception that put the game on ice.

“It’s the NFL,” Mullens said. “If you make the throw, you’re a hero. If I you don’t make the throw, you’re on the bench. That’s the life we live.”

Mullens’ mistakes overshadowed the fact that he showed he’s actually capable of running the offense. He finished with 303 passing yards against the Bengals, then 411 passing yards against the Lions. If he could have cut his turnovers in half, there’s a very good chance the Vikings would have won both games.

“We did do some good things,” Mullens said. “That makes it even worse.”

As the Vikings play host to the Green Bay Packers on New Year’s Eve, Mullens goes into the game as the backup.

“Whatever the team needs, I’m going to do it as best I can — and enjoy doing it,” he said. “I’m going to embrace my role and try to help the Vikings win in any way I can.”

If that means simply being a sounding board, Mullens is more than willing to do that for Hall.

“We’ve had a great relationship,” Mullens said of Hall. “I’m here to help as much as I can. I feel like we’ve been talking through the plays here and there. That’s not too much different than any other week.”

Though he would prefer to still be the starter, Mullens has been extremely supportive of Hall throughout the process, and he plans to be his biggest cheerleader on the sideline on Sunday night.

“I told him, ‘You’re starting on Sunday Night Football. Go own that and take advantage of it,’ ” Mullens said. “I’m fired up for him.”

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