The Minnesota Vikings entered their Week 13 bye on a two-game losing streak. They fell short against the red-hot Denver Broncos in Week 11 before an embarrassing defeat at home at the hands of the Chicago Bears.
After the second loss, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said the team was going to re-evaluate things at the quarterback position. Joshua Dobbs, who had been acquired from the Arizona Cardinals ahead of the deadline, was 1-2 as a starter and helped the team win in his debut in relief of the injured Jaren Hall.
However, turnovers have been an issue for Dobbs. He threw four interceptions against the Bears and has eight in his four appearances with Minnesota. O’Connell admitted that he and the staff contemplated pulling Dobbs from the Monday Night Football game, but opted against it.
NFL News & Rumors: Joshua Dobbs, Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings Updates
Hall, a fifth-round rookie, was being considered for the job as the Vikings liked what they saw in the small sample before he suffered a concussion. Veteran Nick Mullens, the backup in Week 12, was also under consideration.
After spending some time mulling things over, O’Connell announced his decision on Wednesday. The Vikings will be sticking with Dobbs as their starter with Mullens as the backup and Hall as the emergency third-stringer.
O’Connell is hoping that some changes to the team’s offensive schemes will help Dobbs find more success on the field. This was an offense built around a pocket passer in Kirk Cousins. While Dobbs can find success in the pocket, the Vikings would be doing him and themselves a disservice if they didn’t take advantage of the other things he brings to the table, such as his athleticism and rushing ability.
“We’ve been in a process of trying to provide him with clarity on what we’re doing offensively and then we’re learning a lot about each other as we go,” O’Connell said. “That’s why I love having him here — his work ethic, spending a lot of time with him, getting to know him, and continuing to dive deeper into what helps him be the best version of himself. That’s what I know that we pride ourselves on around here, is helping our players do that.
NFL News & Rumors: Joshua Dobbs, Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings Updates
“So whether it’s schematically, fundamentally, what are we asking him to do in what situation or phase of the game? That’s where we can continue to all elevate our ability to help each other but, more importantly, elevate Josh’s ability to sustain success.”
Given the extra week of preparation the team was afforded with the bye, O’Connell and his staff were likely able to implement some stuff that better fits Dobbs’ style of play. He will also benefit from getting star wide receiver Justin Jefferson back in the lineup in Week 14.
It will be the first time Jefferson is on the field since Week 5 when he injured his hamstring against the Kansas City Chiefs. His presence will certainly make life easier for Dobbs as arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL. Regardless of the scheme adjustments made, having a player of his caliber to target will make life easier.
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