July 4, 2024

Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) after a victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Whatever spell Joshua Dobbs was casting when he first arrived in Minnesota may have worn off.

Following Dobbs’ four-interception performance in Monday night’s loss to the Chicago Bears, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell stated that a quarterback change is on the table once the team returns from its bye week.

UPDATE: Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson will be activated on Tuesday.

 

“We’re going to take a look and really evaluate the inventory of Josh’s plays that we have now.” “We got healthy, Jaren returned and is now available to us, and Nick Mullens is also available,” O’Connell said. “We’ll look into everything.” During the bye, we have a lot of work to do.”

Dobbs’ turnover-laden play was so discouraging that O’Connell said he considered changing quarterbacks during the game.

Joshua Dobbs didn't know most of Vikings' names, but leads them to win
“It started to get to the point where I was just trying to think almost what would give us a spark,” he told me.

But, just as the head coach was deliberating, Dobbs led the game’s only touchdown drive, connecting with tight end T.J. Hockenson for a 17-yard score.

“As much as the turnovers absolutely cripple you offensively, I still thought Josh battled, no flinch and just kept playing and competing to try to help us win,” O’Connell told the crowd. “I give him a lot of credit for that.” It’s difficult to keep playing on a night when you’ve turned the ball over and thrown a few interceptions. This guy is a rival.”

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Dobbs, for one, admitted that he needs to improve if he wants to keep his starting job.

‘Turnovers have complete control of the game. It all starts with me and how I make decisions for the football. “No matter what happens on the other end, it’s getting a good ball to the receiver and getting the ball to where it needs to go based on the coverage,” Dobbs said. “I recognize it, man. I’m frustrated with myself because, as I previously stated, it all starts with me. I’ll be better as a result of it; I’ll learn from each and every one of them tonight, and we’ll use it to build momentum for the next opportunity.”

While neither Hall nor Mullens are certain starter upgrades, they do have the advantage of knowing the Vikings’ playbook better than Dobbs, who arrived midseason and was thrust into the starting role on short notice.

The Vikings’ next game is against the Las Vegas Raiders on December 10. The expected return of star wide receiver Justin Jefferson should help whoever starts at quarterback.

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