Aug 26, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall (16) runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
Newcomer quarterback Josh Dobbs played wonderfully for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, right? Why, yes. Yes, he did.
But that doesn’t mean the entirety of the team’s fanbase is ready for him as the full-time QB1.
Many Vikings faithful would rather hand the baton to rookie quarterback Jaren Hall for the rest of 2023 once the man departs the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Hall played two drives in Week 9, resulting in three points, but was knocked out of the contest after a brutal hit by the Atlanta Falcons defense in the 1st Quarter. On trotted Dobbs, and the rest was history.
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 an adventure.
Ergo, following the Week 9 triumph in Georgia, we polled Vikings fans on the X app about their quarterback preference for the remainder of the season, assuming all candidates were healthy. About 57% want the Josh Dobbs Experience from here on out, with an eyebrow-raising 41% favoring Hall, the rookie.
The poll was unscientific, and 4,631 people responded.
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.”
It seems Dobbs will take the QB1 scepter in the immediate future, probably his job to lose henceforth. In theory, if Dobbs fired up a terrible performance, Hall would eventually be ready for another audition when healthy.
One respondent, @SotaKnew, endorsed Dobbs for the job and explained, “Hall was still on the first drive, everything was scripted. He’s still REALLY green. In time, he will have his time; ppl just need to give him time. When Hall is “ready” coaches will see it. Same as college, I think he will be a developmental talent; SKOL.”
@KSG_Skol weighed in, “It probably should be Hall but I don’t know how they can tell the locker room hall is the guy moving forward after yesterday.”
Because of his experience — Dobbs has started 10 NFL games, plus Sunday’s action at Atlanta — Dobbs likely provides the Vikings their best chance at a playoff berth in 2023. However, with Kirk Cousins on the shelf for the rest of the year, the franchise has a golden opportunity to evaluate Hall for the long haul.
And don’t forget Nick Mullens, the team’s QB2 six weeks ago before any dustup with Cousins’ Achilles tear.
The Vikings are 2.5-point home underdogs this weekend versus the Saints.
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.