49ers vs. Seahawks: 3 positive takeaways from Week 13
No. 2: Quarterback Nick Mullens
While quarterback Nick Mullens did make several mistakes, you have to remember he is still essentially a rookie with only a very limited number of starts under his belt.
Mullens completed 30 passes on 48 attempts for 414 yards, two touchdowns and one interception with a completion rate of 62.5 percent and a passer rating of 95.3. That one interception was unfortunately a pick six, with linebacker Bobby Wagner returning the ball for 98 yards:
"He lays down in the end zone. Somebody bring him oxygen!"@Bwagz has the longest interception return in #Seahawks history! #GoHawks https://t.co/fgWv0z4bGH
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 3, 2018
Mullens was sacked three times for a loss of 28 yards. While early on, the offensive line was unable to stand up to the Seahawks’ pressure and provided poor pass protection, they did improve as the game progressed.
However, one sack in particular was on Mullens. Focusing on the pressure coming from the left side of the field, he did not see cornerback Justin Coleman break through the line, who managed to hit him from behind.
Mullens, for the most part, has continued to show his ability to cope with pressure while in the pocket, demonstrated by his ability to find a receiver and release the ball quickly. His awareness while in the pocket has also been a strength of his, taking far less sacks that quarterback C.J. Beathard, and throwing the ball away when required.
Nick Mullens is the first #49ers QB to throw for 400 yards since Colin Kaepernick in Week 1 of 2013
— Al Sacco (@AlSacco49) December 3, 2018
He still does have parts of the game he will need to work on and improve, however that will come with time and experience. Mullens is looking like a strong contender to take over as the backup to No. 1 quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo upon his return.