Josh Dobbs Wins Award for His Week 9 Performance
Last weekend against the Atlanta Falcons, the Minnesota Vikings seemed dead to rights after rookie QB Jaren Hall went down with a concussion in the first quarter.
In came Josh Dobbs, who Minnesota acquired via trade just five days before the game, and the first couple drives looked very rough, including a safety and a strip sack.
However, the veteran journeyman bounced back in a huge way for Minnesota during the second half and led the Vikings to a comeback victory over Atlanta. For his efforts in that game, Dobbs has won the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award for Week 9.
Josh Dobbs Wins Award for His Week 9 Performance
Dobbs finished his day by completing 20 of his 30 passes for a relatively modest 158 yards and a pair of TD passes. However, the work he did with his legs was electrifying all afternoon. He totaled 7 carries for 66 yards and an 18-yard TD scramble in the third quarter while hitting Trishton Jackson for a two-point conversion following the touchdown.
The Vikings needed Dobbs to come through time and time again during Sunday’s game, and he rose up to every challenge thrown his way. As a result of the performance and another strong showing from the defense, Minnesota was able to improve to 5-4 and take sole possession of the No. 7 seed in the NFC.
Making the game even more impressive was the fact that Justin Jefferson missed the game, K.J. Osborn left early on with a concussion, and T.J. Hockenson was banged up from a rib injury. This performance being put on after spending just four days with the team is impressive enough, but doing so with three of the team’s top four receivers limited or just out altogether brings it to a whole other level.
It also brought about the conversation of whether Dobbs or Hall should start for the rest of the season while Kirk Cousins heals up from his Achilles injury. As Hall works through his concussion, it seems that Dobbs will certainly start on Sunday. If he continues to play well in Kevin O’Connell’s offense, though, it will be very tough to take the ball out of his hands moving forward.
Regardless, this is a well-deserved award for the Vikings QB given the circumstances he was thrown into during Week 9. Joining Dobbs as Week 9 Players of the Week in the NFC are Saints CB Paulson Adebo and Commanders P Tress Way. For the AFC, Texans QB C.J. Stroud, Colts CB Kenny Moore, and Chargers WR Derius Davis won awards of their own.
Dobbs’ next test comes against another NFC South opponent, the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans also sits at 5-4, and they head into the weekend leading their division. It is the third time in four weeks that the Vikings will face off against division leaders.
Kickoff between the Saints and Vikings is scheduled for 12 PM Central inside U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, November 12th.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.