Titans make unexpected QB change ahead of Cowboys game
There is a twist to the Thursday night matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans. It appears that Mike Vrabel and the Titans are making a quarterback change. Tennessee is reportedly set to bench rookie Malik Willis in favor of starting veteran Josh Dobbs. Such a move comes as a surprise, as the expectation […]
There is a twist to the Thursday night matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans.
It appears that Mike Vrabel and the Titans are making a quarterback change. Tennessee is reportedly set to bench rookie Malik Willis in favor of starting veteran Josh Dobbs.
Such a move comes as a surprise, as the expectation was for Willis continuing his development as a rookie after starting the last three weeks.
Willis took over starting quarterback duties when Ryan Tannehill went down with injury earlier this season. The rookie has been a work in progress, failing to throw for 100 or more yards in his three starts this season.
Dobbs, on the other hand, is a journeyman that was recently added to the Titans roster. Tennessee signed Dobbs off the Lions' practice squad last week, and he is now set to take over behind center for tonight's matchup. It will be his first NFL start.
What it means for the Cowboys
For the Cowboys, this forces Dan Quinn and the defense to make some last-second adjustments after preparing to defend Willis. Willis has the running ability to put some stress on the Cowboys' defense.
It would have given us another look at how the Cowboys have improved defending mobile quarterbacks. That is something that the defense has struggled with this season. With the potential of playing Jalen Hurts in the playoffs, it feels like a bit of a missed opportunity.
Dallas is set to play against a Titans team that is all but throwing away this game. Tennessee is sitting stars Derrick Henry, Jeffery Simmons, and Denico Autry in a matchup that isn't meaningful for the Titans' playoff hopes.
Tennessee making a last-minute quarterback change certainly adds a wrinkle to the game. The Dallas Cowboys have the opportunity to get back on track defensively versus a weakened Titans offense.
The biggest objective for the Cowboys will be getting out of this matchup on the road with a victory and no significant injuries. It would not be much of a surprise to see Dallas pull key starters, as well. In fact, Tony Pollard was ruled out.
Perhaps we see Micah Parsons add to his sack numbers or Trevon Diggs boost his interception total.
Featured image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
