News
Joshua Dobbs’ Spectacular Debut: Vikings’ Remarkable Comeback Victory Against the Falcons
Nov
The Minnesota Vikings pulled off an incredible win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, thanks to a heroic performance from their newly acquired quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Dobbs, who was traded from the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday, led the Vikings to a 31-28 victory with a game-winning touchdown pass to Brandon Powell with 22 seconds left on the clock. Here are some of the highlights from Dobbs’ spectacular debut and the Vikings’ remarkable comeback.
Dobbs steps up after Hall’s injury
The Vikings were already without their star quarterback Kirk Cousins, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 8. They were hoping to see what rookie Jaren Hall could do in his first NFL start, but Hall’s day ended early when he sustained a concussion on a hit near the goal line in the first quarter. That’s when Dobbs, who had only practiced with the team for four days, was thrust into action. Dobbs had a rough start, as he was sacked for a safety and lost two fumbles in his first four possessions. However, he also showed some flashes of brilliance, such as a 23-yard scramble on third down that set up a touchdown pass to Alexander Mattison.
Dobbs leads four scoring drives in the second half
The Vikings trailed 21-13 in the third quarter, when Dobbs started to find his rhythm and confidence. He led the Vikings on a 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in an 18-yard touchdown run by Dobbs himself. He then converted a two-point attempt with a pass to Trishton Jackson to tie the game at 21. After the Falcons regained the lead with a field goal, Dobbs responded with another touchdown drive, this time finding K.J. Osborn for a 12-yard score. The Falcons took the lead again with a touchdown run by Tyler Allgeier with 2:08 remaining, but Dobbs was not done yet. He orchestrated a masterful 11-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Powell, who made a diving catch in the end zone. Dobbs completed 20 of 30 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns, and added seven carries for 66 yards and another score.
Dobbs makes a case to keep the starting job
Dobbs’ performance was nothing short of amazing, considering the circumstances. He had to learn a new offense, build chemistry with new teammates, and face a tough Falcons defense on the road. He showed poise, leadership, and playmaking ability, and earned the respect and admiration of his coaches and teammates. Dobbs also gave the Vikings a much-needed boost in their playoff hopes, as they improved to 5-4 and moved into the sixth seed in the NFC. With Hall’s status uncertain and Mullens still recovering from a shoulder injury, Dobbs might have done enough to keep the starting job for the foreseeable future. He certainly proved that he can handle the pressure and deliver in clutch situations. Dobbs introduced himself to the Vikings fans after the game with a smile and a joke: “Hi, I’m Josh Dobbs. I play quarterback.” After his spectacular debut, Dobbs might have just become the Vikings’ new favorite player.
Joshua Dobbs Receives Praise Galore: NFL Fans Applaud His Heroic Debut with the Vikings
Joshua Dobbs, the former Tennessee Volunteers star and journeyman quarterback, made his debut with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in a thrilling 31-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Dobbs, who was traded from the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday, stepped in for the injured rookie Jaren Hall in the first quarter and led the Vikings to a comeback victory with a game-winning touchdown pass to Brandon Powell in the final seconds. Dobbs’ performance was nothing short of heroic, considering he had only four days to learn the Vikings’ offense and build chemistry with his new teammates. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns, and added seven carries for 66 yards and another score. He also showed poise, leadership, and playmaking ability in clutch situations, earning the respect and admiration of his coaches, teammates, and fans.
Dobbs received praise galore from various sources, including former and current NFL players, analysts, and media personalities. Here are some of the reactions to Dobbs’ spectacular debut with the Vikings:
- Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN college football analyst and former Ohio State quarterback, tweeted: “Impressive by the @Vikings Josh Dobbs been in town 5 DAYS and leads them to an improbable win including a game winning drive late.”
- Carl Eller, Hall of Fame defensive end and Vikings legend, tweeted: “So inspired by the fight of this Vikings team in the face of adversity. Dobbs is impressive!!!”
- Jake Reed, former Vikings wide receiver and three-time Pro Bowler, tweeted: “Great job Dobbs! We can build on that! #SKOL”
- Ian Rapoport, NFL Network insider and reporter, tweeted: “The legend of Josh Dobbs.”
- Patrick Claybon, NFL Network host and reporter, tweeted: “Josh Dobbs always finds himself inserted into games in the same manner that a chef on Chopped has to start cooking seconds after opening the basket”
- Josh Mancuso, Tennessee baseball player and Dobbs’ former teammate, tweeted: “Joshua Dobbs’ ability to go from team to team in the NFL and perform at a high level in a matter of days is unbelievable. #Respect”
Welcome to Minnesota, Josh Dobbs 😅
(h/t @SeifertESPN) pic.twitter.com/8vegVioky4
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 5, 2023
FINAL: Josh Dobbs leads a game-winning drive for the @Vikings! #Skol #MINvsATL pic.twitter.com/IiZbe85qBt
— NFL (@NFL) November 5, 2023
Dobbs also introduced himself to the Vikings fans after the game with a smile and a joke: “Hi, I’m Josh Dobbs. I play quarterback.” After his heroic debut, Dobbs might have just become the Vikings’ new favorite player.
Read more: