After Vikings announce new starting quarterback, Josh Dobbs’ honeymoon ends.
The Vikings appreciated Josh Dobbs’ contributions after Kirk Cousins’ injury. After Dobbs struggled the past two weeks, they’re changing quarterbacks again.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell says Nick Mullens will start Saturday against the Bengals. Mullens is the Vikings’ fourth starting quarterback in seven games as they seek a postseason berth.
Mullens is on injured reserve after Cousins damaged his Achilles. As Cousins’ backup, Mullens broke camp. After starting the year as a member of the Arizona Cardinals, Dobbs defeated Atlanta.
For a short time, the Vikings had to play rookie third-stringer Jaren Hall, whose was backing up Cousins. Hall departed his next start against the Falcons with a concussion.
O’Connell trusted Dobbs, which worked. Dobbs threw and ran for touchdowns to beat the Saints 27-19.
As mentioned, the Vikings’ new QB1 has yet to impress in three games. In the Bears game, he completed 22 of 32 passes and had four interceptions.
He has only thrown 185 yards and completed 68.8%. Another above-average performance provided by the veteran QB. After nearly a month with the squad, his wonderful period is questioned.
The Bears defeated the Vikings 10-12. QB Dobbs has one touchdown, but the team’s poor performance has surrounding his acquisition by the Arizona Cardinals. The Bears were leading after three quarters when the Vikings finally scored.
Alas! Second-placed NFC North team lost. Justin Jefferson’s hamstring issue from last month kept him out of the game, which likely hurt the Vikings.
Looking back at Dobbs’ vital role on the team, he hasn’t thrown this many interceptions since college.
The added duty of Dobbs replacing in-form relatives has been questioned. Bears QB Justin Fields deserves credit. He navigated the competition well and helped his squad.
Last time, the Vikings outplayed the Bears. That game, Kirk Cousins led the Vikings to a 13-19 win.
The Vikings’ recent game was a nightmare. The Vikings lost to the fourth-placed NFC North team, but the Bears outshadowed them despite failing to score.
Minnesota’s ugly loss to the Bears before a bye week left Dobbs uncertain as a starter after four interceptions.
O’Connell hinted at a transfer in his postgame news conference and the following day. Freshman Jaren Hall and veteran Nick Mullens are healthy options.
After reviewing the tape for a week, O’Connell nor his staff chose to keep Dobbs. For now, they think he’s their greatest shot of beating the Raiders this weekend.
To be clear, Dobbs must play better than against Chicago to maintain the job. He needs to reduce turnovers—he has eight in four Vikings games—and make uncomplicated pocket throws with rhythm, timing, and precision.
If he struggles early with the Raiders, the Vikings may turn to Mullens or Hall to win. He was named NFC offensive player for the month after a miraculous win over the Falcons.
Dobbs may not start in Week 15 versus the Bengals or any of the Vikings’ three NFC North games afterward.
He must play well like he did versus the Falcons and Saints during his first two games since being acquired by the Cardinals.
While 2-2 with the Vikings, Dobbs made 66.4 percent of his throws for 832 yards and five touchdowns and five interceptions. He ran for 142 yards, three touchdowns, and lost three turnovers.