Vikings

Joshua Dobbs Can Take the Vikings Higher

Photo Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Kirk Cousins gave Creed credit for the Minnesota Vikings’ scrappy 19-13 win in Chicago, which kicked off their five-game win streak. He gave them another shoutout after Minnesota’s 22-17 Monday night win over the San Francisco 49ers the following week. So naturally, the Vikings played “Higher” in the waning minutes of the first half in their 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

It was a fitting tribute to Cousins, only it was Joshua Dobbs under center for the second-straight week. Cousins ruptured his Achilles tendon on a non-contact play in Green Bay, and Jaren Hall got the start in Atlanta. But Hall suffered a concussion early last week’s game, and Dobbs took over. Now there’s no looking back.

The Vikings had traded for the journeyman quarterback at the deadline. Dobbs arrived in Minnesota on Tuesday and had to take command of an offense he had less than a week to learn. But Dobbs operated the offense with aplomb, leading the Vikings to a 31-28 victory in his hometown of Atlanta. Then he followed up that performance by going 23/34 for 268 yards and two touchdowns – one passing and another rushing.

Dobbs had the Vikings up 24-3 at halftime. Creed blared over the U.S. Bank Stadium loudspeakers, and the crowd kept singing “Higher” after the speakers shut off. It felt like an appropriate moment for Dobbs, who has a degree in aerospace engineering from Tennesee. Dobbs spent countless hours at Minnesota’s facility in Eagan learning the playbook and preparing for Sunday’s game.

“He was essentially living at the facility and going through his normal process while also allowing us to kind of show him how we do things,” said Kevin O’Connell. “How we try to, you know, enhance his ability to play fast while also giving him really good plays that he can be responsible for getting to one versus the other at the line, still using tempo, communicating the way he is.”

Dobbs was living out of the hotel across the street, so it was an easy commute.

“I’m not paid by the hour. I have nowhere else to be,” he said.

So, I did spend a lot of time at the facility. I probably ate almost every meal every day there. Which is fine, man. I’m blessed to be in the position I am. I’m grateful for this opportunity. So no stone will not be turned over, whether it’s growing in the offense, creating simulated reps in the facility, or studying the defenses we’re going to play.

The Vikings couldn’t put the game out of reach in the second half. It feels like fate that they’ll play in a one-score game. A single score has determined the outcoming of each of their games, except for their win over the Green Bay Packers. After finishing 11-1 in one-score games last year, they’re 5-4 in such games this season. But now they’ve got Dobbs’s space magic.

“It’s crazy because with him in the backfield, you can’t think the play’s over,” said Hockenson, who had 11 receptions for 134 yards. “There are times where you’re the first read, then you’re the second read, so just to be able to go out there. And if he doesn’t get you on the first time or the second time, he’s going to move around. You just try to find an open area and beat your guy.

“It’s a little like street ball, which is fun.”

Cousins is the better quarterback, but Dobbs is more exciting. They’re both cerebral quarterbacks, but their intellect manifests differently. Cousins makes every decision carefully. He studies in a cubicle during the week and keeps a log of notes throughout the season. Cousins is conservative with the ball during the game, using his understanding of the game and pinpoint accuracy to advance the ball.

Conversely, Dobbs uses his feet to extend plays and pick up yardage when things break down. He’s more willing to take a risk, as he did throwing into double-coverage for Jordan Addison’s 27-yard reception in the first quarter. But Dobbs doesn’t wantonly throw deep balls like Jameis Winston. Nor does he take off immediately when he can’t get the ball to his first read. He progresses through his reads and only takes off when he must.

“I went through my entire progression. [The Saints] did a tremendous job,” said Dobbs, who traveled 45.2 yards from snap to score on his seven-yard touchdown run.

They were in two-high shell and did a good job covering guys up. The Mike took my first progression, the Will took my second, and the safeties kind of exited out the back-end line throws. And so, when that happens, man, like, they’re — I thought, you know, the O-line, all day, allowed me the opportunity to go through my reads, stay in the pocket. And then, when the opportunity presented itself, to be able to utilize my legs and make plays.

Cousins was playing his best football before he fell victim to injury. But Dobbs’ quick feet and rapid processing opens Minnesota’s offense up like it hadn’t before. He can advance the ball on the scramble drill and use his feet to pick up timely first downs. Dobbs has changed the offense for the better, even if it’s only a temporary fix while the Vikings try to become only the sixth team since 1998 to start 0-3 and make the playoffs.

“It allows me to be aggressive, knowing that if we get the premier look I’m hunting or I’m looking for some scouted looks, have a lot of confidence there,” said O’Connell regarding Dobbs’ scrambling ability. “But also his decision-making and then knowing kind of the perfect balance. I mean, when he found T.J. off-schedule, drop 8, Tampa 2, knowing he’s got time. Kind of a veteran feel, buying some time, getting out, and keeping his eyes up. Those are all veteran things that Josh did today.”

Dobbs seems to have captured some of that Case Keenum magic from 2017. He may have only had two career starts before this season and gone 1-7 with the Arizona Cardinals. But Dobbs can play, and he makes things happen in exciting ways. Dobbs arrived last Tuesday and made his first start for the Vikings on Sunday. But we already know that he’s not a typical 28-year-old journeyman, given his athleticism and intellect.

The Vikings and Dobbs are living in a dream world. They will fight to stay asleep because they can continue to win if Dobbs can escape collapsing pockets and broken-down plays. Dobbs can bring them to a place with golden streets where blind men can see. He can take this team higher.

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