Josh Dobbs' status as the Vikings' starting QB moving forward will depend on one key factor
Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Josh Dobbs came back to earth a bit this past weekend after throwing four interceptions in the Minnesota Vikings' loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. Dobbs, who was traded to the Vikings ahead of the trade deadline in late October, captivated the nation after leading Minnesota to two […]
Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Josh Dobbs came back to earth a bit this past weekend after throwing four interceptions in the Minnesota Vikings' loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football.
Dobbs, who was traded to the Vikings ahead of the trade deadline in late October, captivated the nation after leading Minnesota to two wins in his first two games with the franchise.
The Vikings, however, have lost the last two games that Dobbs has started. And Monday night's loss, which was winnable against a not-very-good Bears team, has put Dobbs' status as Minnesota's starting quarterback in doubt.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell wouldn't commit to Dobbs as the team's starter after Minnesota's upcoming bye week.
Rookie quarterback Jaren Hall and veteran Nick Mullens, both of which have been with the Vikings for longer than Dobbs, are the other quarterback options that O'Connell will consider.
Minnesota is set to get superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson back from injury after the bye week. And based on O'Connell's comments on Tuesday, the quarterback that has the best chemistry with Jefferson is the quarterback who will start against the Las Vegas Raiders.
"Justin's role in our offense, really from Day 1 since we arrived here, has always been very, very significant," said O'Connell (via ESPN). "Anytime you can infuse the best receiver in football back into your offense, there's going to be ways to not only get Justin going and make sure he has a critical impact on the football game…the quarterback position absolutely plays into that."
"We're going to make sure that whoever is playing quarterback is aware and understands the intent behind plays where either Justin is the primary [target], or based upon coverage, based upon the defensive look, how to quickly and efficiently get to the right place to go with the football," added O'Connell.
It sounds like if Dobbs wants to continue starting for the Vikings, he better put in extra work with Jefferson. Because that's ultimately what's going to determine who the Vikings roll with for the rest of the season.
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