Vikings to start Josh Dobbs vs. Raiders despite turnovers،
EAGAN, Minn. – The Minnesota Vikings will stick with quarterback Josh Dobbs for at least one more week, coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday.
Dobbs will start Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders despite committing six turnovers in the last two games, both losses. O'Connell spent the bye week reviewing Dobbs' four games and considered turning to backup Nick Mullens or No. 3 quarterback Jaren Hall. Ultimately, however, he decided to more aggressively adjust the Vikings' scheme to fit Dobbs' skillset.
“We've been trying to give him clarity on what we're doing offensively and 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 delve deeper into what helps him be the best version of himself. is what I know and are proud of ourselves here, helping our players do that.
“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 all continue to elevate our ability to help each other but, more importantly, elevate the Josh’s ability to sustain success.”
The Vikings built their offense this season around veteran passer Kirk Cousins, who tied for first in the NFL in touchdown passes (18) and ranked second in passing yards (2,331) when He ruptured his right Achilles tendon at the end of the season. Week 8. Mullens was then on injured reserve with a back injury, prompting the Vikings to acquire Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals on October 31 to serve as Hall's backup.
When Hall suffered a concussion in the first quarter of his first start, Dobbs replaced him and played most of the Vikings' final four games. He led them to wins in their first two games, but his turnovers played a big role in the losses that followed.
O'Connell hasn't been specific about the schematic adjustments he's made, but they'll likely include less reliance on timing-based passing routes that Cousins perfected over two years of practice in O'Connell's offense. Regardless of the details, the draft will undoubtedly benefit from Sunday's return of wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who missed seven games with a right hamstring injury.
