Josh Dobbs Will Possibly Return for the Vikings After Bye Week, An Insider Says
Josh Dobbs of the Minnesota Vikings looks to be getting another chance to start under center as the team prepares to play the Los Vegas Raiders in Week 14.
According to Diana Russini, senior NFL insider for The Athletic, the Vikings “will be sticking with Dobbs” and giving the seasoned journeyman another chance, this time with Justin Jefferson in the lineup.
“A league source said Jefferson is expected to practice in full and be ready to play against the Raiders in Week 14. The next big question will be, who is throwing the ball to him, Josh Dobbs or Nick Mullens,” Russini wrote. “My early sense is the team will be sticking with Dobbs.
On Tuesday, December 5, head coach Kevin O’Connell will make his first appearance before the media, during which he may clarify the quarterback selection. The Vikings would, however, have a competitive advantage if they made their decision this week before facing the Las Vegas Rams on the road.
Although there are still concerns around the quarterback position, it is definite that Jefferson, who missed seven games due to a hamstring injury but was on the verge of playing again in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, will be available to play on Sunday.
Vikings’ Choice at QB Is Based on Who Will Optimize Jefferson Justin
When the #1 receiver in the NFL returned to the starting lineup, O’Connell disclosed the importance of Jefferson to his quarterbacking decision.
According to O’Connell on November 28, “Justin’s role in our offense, really from Day 1 since we arrived here, has always been very, very significant.” “There will be ways to not just get Justin going and make sure he has a critical impact on the football game—[and] the quarterback position obviously plays into that—anytime you can reintroduce the best receiver in football into your scheme.
“We’re going to make sure that the quarterback, whoever he or she may be, knows and comprehends the intention behind plays in which Justin is the primary target or, depending on coverage and the defensive look, where the football needs to go in order to be there fast and effectively.
Ultimately, rhythm, timing, and realizing that the defense can and will take some things away are what make up the NFL passing game.
Following Dobbs’ four interceptions in Week 12’s 12-10 loss to the Bears, O’Connell made this statement. It was believed that Dobbs, who performed best while improvising outside of the plan during his first few weeks in Minnesota, suffered from O’Connell’s openness about the knowledge that there would be an assessment of the job during the bye week.
Opposing defenses have made it a priority to keep Dobbs in the pocket ever since. In his last two starts, which were losses against the Bears and Denver Broncos prior to the bye week, he has committed six turnovers.
With two more weeks with the Vikings offense, can Josh Dobbs continue to improve?
A taste of the highs and lows of having Dobbs at quarterback was given to the Vikings. Before collapsing to earth and averaging just 15 points in back-to-back defeats, the offense averaged 29 points in his first two starts.
However, Dobbs has two more weeks in the system and Jefferson back in the mix, so he has a good chance of turning around his recent slump.
Minnesota might wager on it if Dobbs starts in Week 14.
