Vikings Hint at Starting QB vs. Saints
If you enjoyed The Joshua Dobbs Experience on Sunday — you probably did — more is likely on the way.
Dobbs, who had been on the Vikings roster for five days before helping his new team down the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, is trending to start in Week 10 at home versus the New Orleans Saints.
Vikings Hint at Starting QB vs. Saints
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero tweeted Monday, “No surprise: Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell says they’re planning to start QB Josh Dobbs on Sunday against New Orleans. Rookie Jaren Hall is in concussion protocol. Nick Mullens remains on IR. Sean Mannion is on the practice squad.”
Dobbs might win Sunday’s gig almost by default or attrition. He’s only on the Vikings roster at all because of Kirk Cousins’ Achilles tear eight days ago. Then rookie passer Jaren Hall was concussed at Atlanta. Nick Mullens is eligible to return from injured reserve, but his immediate reunion to the active roster isn’t promised. And anytime in the last four years that the club trotted Sean Mannion on the field, well, the result was lackluster.
Still, Dobbs deserves a shot at a sequel, no matter what, after his heroism at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Dobbs’ memorable Sunday propelled the Vikings securely into the NFC’s No. 7 playoff seed, just 0.5 games from the No. 5 seed and 1.5 games away from the Detroit Lions for the NFC North lead. He passed for 158 yards, completing 20 passes on 30 attempts, with 66 rushing yards, 3 total touchdowns, 2 lost fumbles, and a safety surrendered. It was a ride.
Several Vikings Hall of Famers noticed, too.
After the unforeseen theatrics, the who’s who of Vikings Hall of Famers took notice, applauding the journeyman mobile quarterback for his performance. Carl Eller tweeted Sunday afternoon, “So inspired by the fight of this Vikings team in the face of adversity. Dobbs is impressive!!!”
Warren Moon followed suit with a tweet, “Very impressed with Josh Dobbs leading Vikings to a comeback win over Atlanta after only being in Minn for 5 days! Amazing comprehension and effort today! Proud of you.”
Perhaps the granddaddy of all praise tidbits, Vikings legend Cris Carter joined the party, too, “Mad respect for Josh Dobbs, what he did today is hard to understand, unless you’ve been in the NFL💜.”
A case can be made for the aforementioned Hall as the Vikings QB1 when he’s healthy — 2023 is a golden opportunity to see his skillset without Cousins on the field — but for now, Minnesota seems content with Dobbs, at least for another week.
The Vikings haven’t played a meaningful home game without Cousins in the starting lineup since The Minneapolis Miracle in January 2018. Dobbs is on deck to see those very Saints in six days.
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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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