Donnybrook
Footballguy
Thank you Monti Ossenfort for selling Dobbs for less than bought him for at the beginning of the season.
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QB Josh Dobbs, NE (1 Viewer)
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Down Under
Footballguy
Cardinals as they watch Murray for the rest of the year: 
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Just some amazing awareness of the pass rush and uncanny ability to get out of some tackles that were very close to being made here.
I watched the post game press conference with Dobbs which was interesting to hear him talk about the lack of reps and preparation, yet he was still able to memorize the game plan for this game, even though he still does not have many of his teammates names memorized yet. He strikes me as really sharp. Someone needs to get him some Vikings swag though, he doesn't have any yet.
eta - Sorry I could not find a link to the interview yet so you can hear and see for yourself what I mean.
rockaction
Footballguy
Greatest underdog story of the year so far and will likely continue to be.
He was very well liked out of college.
Not sure what happened to him in Pittsburgh; maybe a life lesson learned for all I know, but...this is that guy.
I didn't want the Titans to let him walk and thought it was ridiculous since he was good, cheap and Malik played poorly in 2022.
I don't see why the Cardinals traded him either. Clearly they need a better backup even with Murray returning.
Teams are so fast to develop a young guy and watch their bragged about athleticism throw INTs. Veteran backup is almost not a thing in the league anymore.
Not sure what happened to him in Pittsburgh; maybe a life lesson learned for all I know, but...this is that guy.
I didn't want the Titans to let him walk and thought it was ridiculous since he was good, cheap and Malik played poorly in 2022.
I don't see why the Cardinals traded him either. Clearly they need a better backup even with Murray returning.
Teams are so fast to develop a young guy and watch their bragged about athleticism throw INTs. Veteran backup is almost not a thing in the league anymore.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Joshua Dobbs: I'm Excited To See What The Future Holds For Us
Minnesota Vikings QB Joshua Dobbs addressed the media following Sunday's game in Atlanta.#MinnesotaVikings #Vikings #NFL #MN #Football #SkolSubscribe to the ...
www.youtube.com
Down Under
Footballguy
I loved how pretty much every single Viking (and most of the staff, too) went over to congratulate him (and probably thank him too) after that last drive.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
No doubt. He has given the team hope, which is what every player on every team needs to stay focused and do their best.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
pollardsvision
Footballguy
I grew up in a state without an NFL team, so I've always just rooted for players and stories.
Until further notice, my favorite team is whichever team Dobbs is playing for.
Until further notice, my favorite team is whichever team Dobbs is playing for.
VikingFrog
Footballguy
We welcome you to the Viking fandom with open arms.
Might I suggest your beverage of choice for the end of the year… because the only way this ends is to get your hopes up and then being severely let down with gut-punching disappointment.
leftcoastheel
Footballguy
Cool article... helps show how he picks things up so quickly.
www.wsj.com
Very impressive.
The Rocket Scientist Quarterbacking an Unlikely NFL Playoff Contender
Joshua Dobbs studied aerospace engineering in college and has worked at NASA. The Vikings hope he can launch them to the playoffs.
www.wsj.com
Very impressive.
I'm starting him over Russell because of his rushing prowess. Cousins was my qb1. I'm hoping for a little late season magical ending. LolCool article... helps show how he picks things up so quickly.
The Rocket Scientist Quarterbacking an Unlikely NFL Playoff Contender
Joshua Dobbs studied aerospace engineering in college and has worked at NASA. The Vikings hope he can launch them to the playoffs.
Very impressive.
leftcoastheel
Footballguy
Starting him this week in both of my home leagues w/ Mahomes on bye. I am a dog this week in both games, but have Addison on both teams too. Hoping for some stack magic myself this week.
Donnybrook
Footballguy
dipandglide
Footballguy
Is there any long-term value here (dynasty)? He might be the Brock Purdy this offseason. I'm rooting for him to get a starting gig beyond this year.
BlackCrowes
Footballguy
You can’t stop him
You can only hope to contain him
You can only hope to contain him
DocHolliday
Footballguy
This is a great story.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Probably.
Still too soon to really be sure. He looked fantastic in the first half of his 2nd game with the Vikings vs the Saints who have a pretty good defense. With a big lead though the Vikings didn't really ask for Dobbs to do much in the 2nd half that at least left me wanting more. The week before they needed everything he had to pull off such an improbable win. I would have liked to see the Vikings trust him a bit more than they did to try to keep the ball away from the Saints. They kind of just ran out the clock in the 2nd half instead.
So I need to see more.
Better days ahead though as Jefferson will be coming back and Dobbs will be set up even better for success.
If he finishes the season strong its possible the Vikings try to sign Dobbs long term, which if they do I think he will be in a great offense to maximize his ability.
If he does well but goes to another team I think there is a good chance he does so as that teams starting QB.
Its just still too soon to say one way or another though. Many games left before a more complete evaluation can be made.
I do think Dobbs has won the current Vikings team over. They have rallied around him. How far Dobbs can take the Vikings still remains to be seen though. The more the Vikings and Dobbs win the closer he gets to being a starter in 2024.
I doubt many other teams offer as good a situation for Dobbs as the Vikings.
eta Called him Dodds once there. Old habits die hard. Dobbs might be able to make a reputation for himself as epic as DD but that will take awhile.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Joshua Dobbs' Best Plays From His Home Debut Against The Saints
This first play here I like how Dobbs is able to play action then step up into the pocket. I have seen some good pocket awareness and maneuvering from him, which buys time and helps him make clean throws, while also setting himself up to scramble if he needs to.
The throw itself is a bit risky though and close to being deflected or intercepted. Good to see him make this throw as it requires some zip on the ball and accuracy. I feel a bit jittery though about the decision.
2nd play is just a designed keeper for Dobbs who runs behind his RB.
3rd play Dobbs shows his pocket presence and ability to avoid the rush. Then he is able to get the ball to Hockenson after the play breaks down. He does a great job of avoiding the 2 defenders barreling down on him and getting the ball over them.
4th play is a nice clean throw to an open Addison. A pretty good toss fake earlier on in the play.
5th play is good play action then he steps twice to his left buying time before throwing very accurately to Hockennson coming open.
6th play pocket presence and some trickery before he takes off and runs it in for a TD.
7th play is a nice scramble out to the left side where he gets a good block downfield and is able to get the 1st down.
8th play is a just an accurate throw where he sets his feet from the shotgun and finds Hockenson down the seam for a TD.
9th play is just a nice accurate throw to the receiver leading him so he can get extra yardage after the catch.
10th play is just a scramble trying to get the 1st down. It is close but the refs ruled it short and the Vikings didnt challege.
11th play is a nice throw over the middle with accuracy in a tight window.
Thats it for this clip because as I said the Vikings offense didnt really ask Dobbs to do much after that. Running the ball to end the game.
Next Gen Stats
Joshua Dobbs scrambles for a 10-yard touchdown, his 4th TD on a scramble run this season, most in the NFL.
Expected Yards (RYOE): 5 (+5)
Dobbs also leads the NFL in rushing yards over expected on scrambles this season (+139).
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zamboni
Footballguy
The pendulum has sure swung quickly. They practically built a statue for him coming in 4 days prior and winning the game, and then winning the game the following week.
I agree that we're starting to see the Dobbs we thought he was, but would think they'd give him another chance. Are Hall or Mullens really better options at this point?
I agree that we're starting to see the Dobbs we thought he was, but would think they'd give him another chance. Are Hall or Mullens really better options at this point?
Biabreakable
Footballguy
I agree the fairy tale of Josh Dobbs saving the Vikings season seems to be over.
Expectations were sky high after the Vikings won 3 games with Dobbs. Vikings fans were even talking about keeping Dobbs over Cousins next season.
The way you put it about fans building a statue for Dobbs spot on as a way to describe it.
He has turned into a pumpkin though and there were signs of KOCs reluctance to trust Dobbs even in the 2nd half of the Saints game which they still won.
Hard to say if the other QBs the Vikings have would be an improvement or not. Most likely not, but 4 interceptions in a game is too much. Mullens might at least protect the ball more at the expense of not running the ball as well. Part of me thinks that could be better with Jefferson back, but I understand if KOC sticks with Dobbs as well.
Regardless Dobbs has shown enough flaws that I think hopes of doing anything in the playoffs are gone. If the Vikings can make it there.
A win in Denver or vs the Bears and perhaps Vikings fans could still be optimistic, but Dobbs just doesn't throw the ball well enough.
Drake Hater
Footballguy
I wouldn't bury this guy yet. Until he gets benched there's FF potential given the barren QB landscape.
Gjallarhorn
Footballguy
I would be shocked if the Vikings don't get Mullens or Hall ready to start in Vegas in two weeks. Dobbs was never brought in to be the starter, even though he looked competent for the first few games. KOC is an offensive-minded coach and it has to be killing him that his team has given up one touchdown the last two weeks and they are 0-2. I am not dropping Dobbs yet due to the chance that he remains the starter, JJ comes back, the soft remaining schedule (Lions and Packers @ home weeks 16/17), and he could provide value in the playoffs. If Mullens/Hall are named the starter before Vegas, then Dobbs is an easy drop. My $.02
While he had 4 picks there weren't all on him. Addison should have caught the one off his helmet. There was one that was a great (and unlucky for Dobbs) diving deflection that should have just been an incompletion as it wasn't a bad throw. One was a great play by Johnson peeling off his underneath coverage after jumping that route to get back in time for the int. Just a great play. I can't remember the 4th one.
I do know there were a couple that could have been picked and were dropped so some of it is cancelled a bit. But the Vikes played terrible as a team yesterday. O-Line bad, Defense on the last drive was terrible. running game was non-existent. A full team effort.
I don't think Dobbs is the answer but neither is Mullins. They should already know what he can do. I would play Dobbs over him but I could see giving Hall a shot since they really aren't going anywhere this year.
You have to wonder if this game cost Dobbs millions in FA
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Thanks.
I didn't actually watch the game as I was super tired yesterday and went to bed early. I haven't gotten around to watching highlights either yet.
I just read some stuff this morning and thought 4 interceptions is pretty bad.
I have seen some scary throw by Dobbs prior to this game though that were turnover risks. I don't think his accuracy and decision making is good.
His pocket awareness and screaming ability is good though.
You are likely right that he is the best option.
Maybe the Bears defense is great now. I didn't see that either but I have seen some of the stats that indicate it is.
Anyhow I feel like the Dobbs parade is over but I would be happy to be wrong about that.
Even if he plays well from here on out I do think the previous excitement about him was premature and a bit out of hand.
We are back to Earth now.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Alright I just watched the highlights. Not much to watch there when they have to include field goals..
The first interception Dobbs throws into double coverage and I guess is trying to get it over the underneath defender so its got a bit of arc and sail on the throw. Good jumping ability by the defender sure but he had plenty of time and space to go up and get that interception. Bad decision and a bad throw.
I saw a similar throw to this one that he puts a little more zip on it and Powell makes a great catch on that ball. The underneath defender has his back turned on that play though and does not play the ball.
On the 2nd interception to Addison I think Dobbs just throws it too hard. Sure Addison should have caught it, but Dobbs could have put better touch on that pass and it could have been placed inside away from the defenders to give Addison a easier angle on the catch and actually have a chance to catch it in stride if thrown that way. Dobbs just puts too much zip on it and the placement wasn't helping Addision either. The defender is right there and Addison maybe hearing some footsteps. Heck it might have been better if Dobbs underthrows this one a bit so Addision can come back to it and get some space from the defender if Dobbs throws it that way as well. Yes Addision needs to catch it no matter where it is, but this was not a good throw. Dobbs forced it into him.
On the 3rd interception the ball is a little low but Osborn pops it up after going low a bit for the ball. I think there may have been some contact as the ball arrived but I actually think this was more Osborns fault than Dobbs. It was a tight window and Osborn is braketed on the play, so I kind of think Dobbs placed this pass pretty much where it needed to be. Osborn just does a bad job bringing it in. I have seen this quite a bit with Osborn. He is a bit of a body catcher. He pops balls up a lot actually. Not just this play but in general I do not really trust Osborns hands. I have seen Cousins give him perfect ball placement right on Osborns hands and he still drops it. Sometimes pipping it up. I don't think the Vikings need him back. Even the smurf Powell is better than him.
The 4th interception Darrisaw lets his man get past him on an inside move. Nice rip by the defender I guess but Darrisaw cannot just pass this guy off to the guard here. Risner is getting driven back to the QB like 2 or 3 yards from the snap. He disrupts Ham trying to sneak out for a dump over the middle. Dobbs is getting hit as he tries to lob it to Ham who isnt even out to his spot yet because of Risner getting in his way. Poor decision by Dobbs to try to dump it off to Ham anyways and avoid the sack. The other defensive tackle who is blocked by the double team is able to get his paw on the ball and knock it up in the air for an easy interception that barely traveled any distance. I mostly blame the linemen for not blocking this play well enough but Dobbs should just take the sack here instead of still trying to make this play that would not have gotten more than 2 yards IF Ham could have got to the ball. It wasn't close.
I like Dobbs throw to Hockenson for the TD but this is an easy throw. He actually makes it a little harder than it had to be throwing it high. Doesn't matter as Hockenson can go up and get that. So much space in front of Hockenson. The Bears corners are zoning way outside and the LB are shallow covering the other TEs and Addision coming across. Jackson had no help underneath and Hockenson too big and long for Jackson to do anything about this.
There must be some other plays to evaluate than this but whoever put together the highlight reel thought those field goals were more important than any of those plays.
I could go look for more I suppose but ick.
The first interception Dobbs throws into double coverage and I guess is trying to get it over the underneath defender so its got a bit of arc and sail on the throw. Good jumping ability by the defender sure but he had plenty of time and space to go up and get that interception. Bad decision and a bad throw.
I saw a similar throw to this one that he puts a little more zip on it and Powell makes a great catch on that ball. The underneath defender has his back turned on that play though and does not play the ball.
On the 2nd interception to Addison I think Dobbs just throws it too hard. Sure Addison should have caught it, but Dobbs could have put better touch on that pass and it could have been placed inside away from the defenders to give Addison a easier angle on the catch and actually have a chance to catch it in stride if thrown that way. Dobbs just puts too much zip on it and the placement wasn't helping Addision either. The defender is right there and Addison maybe hearing some footsteps. Heck it might have been better if Dobbs underthrows this one a bit so Addision can come back to it and get some space from the defender if Dobbs throws it that way as well. Yes Addision needs to catch it no matter where it is, but this was not a good throw. Dobbs forced it into him.
On the 3rd interception the ball is a little low but Osborn pops it up after going low a bit for the ball. I think there may have been some contact as the ball arrived but I actually think this was more Osborns fault than Dobbs. It was a tight window and Osborn is braketed on the play, so I kind of think Dobbs placed this pass pretty much where it needed to be. Osborn just does a bad job bringing it in. I have seen this quite a bit with Osborn. He is a bit of a body catcher. He pops balls up a lot actually. Not just this play but in general I do not really trust Osborns hands. I have seen Cousins give him perfect ball placement right on Osborns hands and he still drops it. Sometimes pipping it up. I don't think the Vikings need him back. Even the smurf Powell is better than him.
The 4th interception Darrisaw lets his man get past him on an inside move. Nice rip by the defender I guess but Darrisaw cannot just pass this guy off to the guard here. Risner is getting driven back to the QB like 2 or 3 yards from the snap. He disrupts Ham trying to sneak out for a dump over the middle. Dobbs is getting hit as he tries to lob it to Ham who isnt even out to his spot yet because of Risner getting in his way. Poor decision by Dobbs to try to dump it off to Ham anyways and avoid the sack. The other defensive tackle who is blocked by the double team is able to get his paw on the ball and knock it up in the air for an easy interception that barely traveled any distance. I mostly blame the linemen for not blocking this play well enough but Dobbs should just take the sack here instead of still trying to make this play that would not have gotten more than 2 yards IF Ham could have got to the ball. It wasn't close.
I like Dobbs throw to Hockenson for the TD but this is an easy throw. He actually makes it a little harder than it had to be throwing it high. Doesn't matter as Hockenson can go up and get that. So much space in front of Hockenson. The Bears corners are zoning way outside and the LB are shallow covering the other TEs and Addision coming across. Jackson had no help underneath and Hockenson too big and long for Jackson to do anything about this.
There must be some other plays to evaluate than this but whoever put together the highlight reel thought those field goals were more important than any of those plays.
I could go look for more I suppose but ick.
ghostguy123
Footballguy
I'd hope not. Unless he has several more games like it.
We already forgetting he's been there less than a month?
I'd be shocked if Dobbs job was in jeopardy. He had a bad game for sure, but they absolutely traded for him to be the starter for the rest of this season.
I think the bolded is a little disingenuous as it makes it sound like the defense has given up 7 points, when they have given up 9 FGs the last 2 weeks. 9 FGs is basically as bad as 4 TDs.
There is zero reason to think Mullens or Hall would be an upgrade, and overall Dobbs has been solid. I didn't think he played badly against Denver even, Broncos have shut down a lot better QBs than Dobbs (Allen/Mahomes) these last few weeks.
Gjallarhorn
Footballguy
So the offense turning the ball over 7 times in those two games has nothing to do with the 9 FGs? Odd take.
Amazingly, it really hasn't. Those 7 turnovers have only resulted in 9 points allowed.
Now sure you could argue 9 points was the difference between being 2-0 vs 0-2, but considering how turnovers typically lead to points, the Vikings have been relatively unscathed by them.
That Bears/Vikings game was weird how there were so many turnovers (6) and yet neither team really did anything with them.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
The 9 points scored off of turnovers is correct. It's remarkably good defense that they have been able to hold teams to this after 7 turnovers.
I am not what the field position was after all of these, but I know at least one of those vs Denver started in the red zone and the Vikings defense made a goal line stand to limit the Broncos to 3 points there.
It has been the final drives of games where the defense has failed to get the stops they needed.
I think that is understandable as well because the opposing offense has been able to figure out through trial and error what kind of plays were successful over the course of the game by that point.
Against the Broncos it was the WR screens that had been working even earlier in game, so they ran a bunch of those on their final drive to get into scoring range.
The WR or TE screens work in part because of all the blitz looks the Vikings defense gives presnap, whether they blitz or not players are out of position at the start of the play because they are all mugging gaps near the offensive line instead of being positioned outside.
CB Evans being out the last 2 games has hurt as well because he is one of the Vikings more sure tacklers at cornback, so him not playing has made the Vikings more vulnerable to this play.
I didn't watch much of the game vs the Bears to say if WR screens were hurting the defense again or not. What I did see on that final drive was some scrambles by Fields and the one big play to DJ Moore on 3rd down that got the Bears in position to kick the winning FG after using up much of the clock.
On the big play Murphy just got beat by Moore and in such a close game that's all it really takes is one play to lose the game.
I think the Vikings defense has played very well under the circumstances. This defense was the worst or tied for the worst in 2022 and they haven't really upgraded the personnel much, in fact they lost more good pieces than they gained on defense I think. It's better completely because of the change in scheme and coaching.
The problem with the turnovers is that it kills offensive drives that are already struggling to find rhythm and possess the football. In both games if the Vikings offense could just get some first downs near the end and keep the ball away from the other team they would be in a better position to win. But the offense hasn't been able to do that.
Gjallarhorn
Footballguy
This is my take (Vikings fan living in MPLS who has watched every snap). I do NOT think Dobbs was brought in to be the starter for the rest of year. He was brought in because the Vikings were down to one QB, and that was Jaren Hall. Hall started the season as the #3 QB on the roster and had thrown a grand total of 4 NFL passes when Dobbs was signed. Dobbs was forced into the game when Hall got concussed. Dobbs ended up looking decent in the two wins over Atlanta and New Orleans, and not horrible against a close loss on the road in Denver. He earned the start against Chicago even though Mullens was active. Dobbs' performance against Chicago has eliminated any loyalty that was accrued over those first three games.
This is where it gets muddy. KOC acknowledged that he nearly pulled Dobbs for Mullens against Chicago. This is not something you would ever hear a coach say unless they were seriously contemplating a QB change moving forward. The fact that KOC has not committed to Dobbs being the starter moving forward speak volumes.
The Bears exposed Dobbs' weaknesses on Monday night. They showed that if you keep him in the pocket while rushing 4-5 guys every play, Dobbs will not hurt you. Dobbs' value is that he can make plays out of the pocket, extending plays. Take that away from him, and he looks like a QB that you could trade a 6th round pick for.
My money is on Dobbs being replaced with Mullens when the Vikings return to practice next week.
This is where it gets muddy. KOC acknowledged that he nearly pulled Dobbs for Mullens against Chicago. This is not something you would ever hear a coach say unless they were seriously contemplating a QB change moving forward. The fact that KOC has not committed to Dobbs being the starter moving forward speak volumes.
The Bears exposed Dobbs' weaknesses on Monday night. They showed that if you keep him in the pocket while rushing 4-5 guys every play, Dobbs will not hurt you. Dobbs' value is that he can make plays out of the pocket, extending plays. Take that away from him, and he looks like a QB that you could trade a 6th round pick for.
My money is on Dobbs being replaced with Mullens when the Vikings return to practice next week.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
I heard KOC say this as well, that he was thinking about putting a different QB in to see if that might spark the offense.
The players have the rest of this week off. So the coaches have a few days to think this over.
The most recent thing KOC has said is that he will play the QB who can get the ball to Jefferson the most. So your guess about that being Mullens makes sense.
We haven't seen Mullins much, so hard to say what he can do. I think myself and others may be afraid of him being another Sean Mannion. But we don't really know yet.
KOC did get the GM to trade for Mullens to replace Mannion. He had worked with Mullens before on the Rams.
Cousins has been so durable up to the point of his injury this season that the trade made sense to have a QB who knew the offense to help Cousins learn it more from Mullens who already knew it. But maybe it's more than that and Mullens can actually play. That remains to be seen. The thought about Mullens just being another coach may just be based on our experience with Mannion being only that.
Eta - correction as I was wrong. Mullens did not play with the Rams. So all of that is wrong.
Mullens played for the 49ers and Kwesi knew him from there. So it was more his call to trade for Mullens than it was KOC. And it wasn't because Mullens would be a coach who knew the offense. That's me just mixing Mullens up with Sean Mannion who was brought in to be more of a coach than a QB they would play.
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I think you are short changing the play the defender made here. He jumped the underneath route (which I am guessing Dobbs saw) and was out of position and made a tremendous play to get back in the throwing lane to get to the pass. Dobbs could have made a better throw but I believe he saw the guy jump to the underneath guy and figured he had plenty of room to lay the ball in there because the WR was wide open if not for the underneath guy getting back on a great play.
Mullens has started 17 NFL games most of which was with the 49ers. I think we know what he is at this point. He was fine but isn't going to be a starter at any point in the future. A back up in a pinch but we do know what he is.
If they are going to go away from Dobbs the only option to me is Hall to see whether he could be a starter down the road. The Vikes aren't doing anything this year. Why not see what the rookie can do.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Yeah I mixed up Mullens with Mannion.
I corrected that with additional comments in my previous post.
I don't know who Mullens is. What do you think you know about him?
