The only two rostered quarterbacks at the time were 2018 undrafted free agent and career backup, Nick Mullens, and then 5th round rookie draft pick, Jaren Hall, who was nowhere near ready for the moment. So, then second year GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hit the trade market, in a desperate attempt to save the season.

After a couple days of shopping the mid-season QB trade market, the Minnesota Vikings landed Josh Dobbs in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. In his first week on the active roster, and the Vikings first game since Cousins’ devastating achilles injury, Dobbs replaced Hall in Atlanta, after the rookie was knocked out of the game during the Vikings’ first drive.

Despite having virtually no time to learn the playbook or even the names of his teammates, Josh Dobbs responded with a superhero performance when the MN Vikings needed him most. While Dobbs’ couldn’t help the purple get to the playoffs that season, he certainly elevated his stature in the league, which he has parlayed into multiple opportunities since.

Minnesota Vikings favorite Josh Dobbs lands with New England Patriots

On Monday, during the first day of the 2025 NFL negotiating period, Dobbs found his home for what appears to be the next two seasons, signing a two-year deal with the New England Patriots, to sit behind 2024 No. 3 overall pick, Drake Maye. This after spending 2024 in San Francisco.

Last season with the 49ers, Dobbs played in just two games, and didn’t get a start. He did happen to throw for 361 yards on 32-of-47 passing (68.1%) completion rate, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

After being acquired from the Cardinals in 2023, Dobbs posted a 2-2 record with the Minnesota Vikings. He threw for 895 yards on 62.9% passing with 5 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Josh’s legs proved to be an asset with the Vikings. He rushed 30 times for 163 yards and three touchdowns.

Ultimately the MN Vikings went back to Nick Mullens at the end of the season and then saw him leave in free agency. The Passtronaut was a fun story, but he had run his course and the quarterback position was going to be turned over.

How does Dobbs fit in New England?

Dobbs’ fit in New England is interesting. Drake Maye is the present and future there. Mike Vrabel was recently hired as the new head coach. They also have veteran Jacoby Brissett and second-year talent Joe Milton. The former Tennessee product was seen as an intriguing development option, but he would seem to be on the outs after being taken in the sixth round last season.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Signing New Pro Bowl Center

It’s hard to imagine Dobbs having much more of an impact on games throughout the rest of his career. Still, the 30-year-old continues to get opportunities and has now made just under $10 million professionally. That’s certainly nothing to shake your head at.

Josh Dobbs named Minnesota Vikings backup QB vs Lions

Not only will Nick Mullens get another opportunity as the starter but Kevin O’Connell announced on Friday that Josh Dobbs will return to the active roster as Mullens’ backup. Jaren Hall, who started for the Vikings last week, will move from the QB1 down to the emergency-only QB3.

What a season.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell announces that Joshua Dobbs will serve as the backup to Nick Mullens on Sunday.

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 5, 2024

I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. After Josh Dobbs lost the starting job weeks ago, he was immediately demoted to QB3, as well. I guess, after seeing Hall last week, the Vikings have decided they’ll be better off in a pinch, going with the veteran Dobbs.

Not only that, but they’ve probably decided it’s better for Jaren Hall’s development that he not see the field again until next football season (probably longer).

Read all of our Minnesota Vikings articles

Related: Minnesota Vikings name rookie Jaren Hall starting QB for Sunday night

It may not be Hall’s first NFL start, but the stakes tonight are on another level compared to his very brief time as Vikings starter in week 9 vs the Falcons. That day in Atlanta, head coach Kevin O’Connell had no choice but to start his 5th round rookie, out of BYU.

They did not have another QB on roster who knew the playbook. Kirk Cousins’ real backup, Nick Mullens, was hurt. And their only other healthy quarterback was Josh Dobbs, who had just been acquired via trade a few days earlier.

Different reality for Jaren Hall in week 17

Back then, Jaren Hall was only supposed to be on roster to learn and get better at practice. He was a late-round stab in the dark 2023 draft pick with some upside. He was the emergency practice squad QB for the team whos starter was Ironman Kirk Cousins, who never gets hurt, remember?

In week 9 of the 2023 season, the last thing the Vikings expected was Jaren Hall as their QB1. Is it hypothetically possible that, had Jaren played out of his mind vs the Falcons and in the games that followed, O’Connell would’ve been forced to promote him, at least for the remainder of this season? Sure, anything is possible.

But in most realistic scenarios, Josh Dobbs was always going to get his chance at QB1. And even in a world where he doesn’t, Nick Mullens was eventually going to return from injury. No matter what had happened that day in Atlanta, Jaren Hall wasn’t going to have much of a chance to keep the starting job going forward.

On Sunday night, however, the 25-year-old Hall has a much different opportunity on his hands. Since Jaren left that contest in Atlanta, the Vikings have gone on a horrifyingly exciting roller-coaster ride without him.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell has already experimented with Josh Dobbs and Nick Mullens. Both have been subsequently eliminated from the equation. As long as Jaren makes the throws and reads any average NFL QB is expected to and doesn’t turn the ball over like a cheap Brett Favre, he will get another start next week.

Related: Why Kevin O’Connell Had No Choice but to Start Jaren Hall at QB

And if the rookie can lead Minnesota to two-straight wins in weeks 17 and 18, there’s a coin-flip chance he will be a playoff quarterback in the NFL. But let’s hit pause for one second. Is that something this fanbase should let themselves entertain? I mean, what can we really expect out of a 5th round rookie?

What can Minnesota Vikings fans expect out of Hall?

Well, if you had faith in Josh Dobbs and/or Nick Mullens, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t have that faith in Jaren Hall. Unlike Dobbs, he knows the playbook and proved in his two appearances earlier this season that he can go through reads and make requisite throws needed to move Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

How does the Vikings coaching staff look at this drive that Jaren Hall put together against the Falcons and not see if he can do it again?? He CANNOT be worse than Mullens or Dobbs man. #Skol pic.twitter.com/H4xHvn2I9s

— PJ (@PandemicJones) December 24, 2023

Oh, you have turnover PTSD from Nick Mullens? I can’t blame you, nor can I guarantee Sunday’s rookie starter won’t fumble or throw any interceptions. But a quick look into Hall’s statistics at BYU will put your mind at ease.

Mullens has always been a ‘gunslinger’ type. He wants to be Brett Favre, he just doesn’t have the talent. In his college career at Southern Mississippi, Nick Mullens threw over one interception (46) for every two touchdowns (87).

In his two years as starter at BYU, Jaren Hall threw nearly five touchdowns (52) for every one (11) interception. In his final year at BYU, he threw for over 3100 yards, 31 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions. This is why so many wanted a look at Hall, including O’Connell, instead of sticking with Nick Mullens or going back to Josh Dobbs.

Even though he is a 5th-round pick, he should still theoretically be better than Dobbs at finding open Vikings receivers and worse than Nick Mullens at finding open defenders.

Jaren Hall (aka The Mormon Missle) BYU Highlights pic.twitter.com/Do5OYn1s88

— Purple FTW! Podcast (@PurpleForTheWin) October 31, 2023

Kevin O’Connell sure to test Hall’s arm

Another factor to keep in mind is Kevin O’Connell’s play calling. No matter who the QB is, KOC has proven that he is going to put the ball in the hands of his quarterback and let him win or lose them the game. He believes in his system and believes that, if you are an NFL caliber QB, you should be able to run it competently.

So I’m trying to keep my expectations down… but the more I think about the game tonight, the more I’m convinced it could be a Jaren Hall coming out party. The Green Bay secondary is worse than some of the secondaries Hall faced while at BYU, at this point, especially after they suspended Jaire Alexander and we know O’Connell is going to test out his arm like no other playcaller would their day-3 rookie quarterback.

So, if you expect that Hall will hit open receivers more often than not, and keep the ball out of the Green Bay’s hands better than Nick Mullens did… then 300 yards and 2 or 3 touchdowns seems pretty realistic to me. What New Years week that would make…

On Sunday night, they’ll turn back to Jaren Hall because… what choice do they have? Josh Dobbs can’t throw the ball and Nick Mullens only throws it to the other team. But maybe, we’re asking the wrong question. Instead of asking ‘what choices DO the Vikings have’, maybe we should focus more on ‘what options DID they have’?

Remember the Minnesota Vikings mid-season QB search?

It was a crazy 48 hours, after Kirk Cousins’ injury. Insiders were scrambling to get the latest information, lists were slapped together with possible candidates… it was a wild gray duck QB chase. If there was any reason whatsoever why a known QB with a semi-functional throwing arm might be available, Minnesota was supposedly interested.

Related: Justin Jefferson Plans to Push Vikings Toward Re-Signing Kirk Cousins

Trade speculation was running rampant. Would Colt McCoy (Commanders) be a good fit? What about our old friend Case Keenum (Panthers) or Andy Dalton (also Panthers)? Free agent names floating around back then included Nick Foles, Carson Wentz, even Tom Brady.

Oh, and don’t forget about one forgotten name, Joe Flacco, who has since signed with the Cleveland Browns and, at nearly 39-years-old, is playing the best football of his career.

Flacco was inserted as Browns starter at the beginning of December and he is now being praised in Cleveland for single-handedly lifting them into the AFC playoff bracket, after yet another astounding performance on Thursday night guaranteed them their spot.

Joe Flacco’s passing yards during the Browns 4 game win streak

🔥 311
🔥 374
🔥 368
🔥 309 pic.twitter.com/SezTO0TXgc

— PFF (@PFF) December 29, 2023

Cleveland Browns Joe Flacco on Thursday Night Football:

– 19/29
– 309 Yards
– 3 TD 1 INT
– 121.2 Rating

Joe Flacco has 4 straight 300-yard games and 10 TD, and helped the Browns clinch a playoff spot tonight. pic.twitter.com/ppPLPocbRO

— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) December 29, 2023

Cousins’ injury happened on October 29 and the slow-motion video of his achilles tendon snapping made the eventual diagnosis pretty clear right away. The tear was confirmed the next day, after further imaging tests, and the Vikings QB search kicked into high gear.

The “no stone left unturned” QB search…

Back then, head coach Kevin O’Connell promised the Minnesota fanbase that decision makers in Eagan would leave no stone unturned, in their desperate search for a new quarterback. We could feel comfort knowing he and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah were scouring every possible corner of the football world for a competent QB replacement.

They were supposedly open to every possible scenario, when they first started evaluating their options. From a blockbuster trade that would have put their future in jeopardy, to bottom barrell free agents that wouldn’t cost much more than a spot on the practice squad.

So obviously, if a former Super Bowl winner and aging game manager CALLS YOU, you’d be interested in, at the least, bringing him in for a workout, right? What else do you have to lose, especially after you’ve ruled out any sort of blockbuster deal.

I mean, the cost of a plane ticket is certainly worth a workout with KOC. Even if you think Joe Flacco is too old and frail to make the flight; that his arm might fall off after his first throw… YOU STILL BRING HIM IN FOR A WORKOUT, RIGHT? Since you are DESPERATE and deep diving EVERY POSSIBLE OPTION?

Vikings said ‘no thanks’ to working out Joe Flacco

Apparently not, according to Darren Wolfson (SKOR North, KSTP), who noted on Twitter Thursday night that Joe Flacco and his agent actually contacted the Vikings, after Cousins injury, to let them know he was interested in filling in at QB for the remainder of 2023. Minnesota said no and didn’t even invite him in for a workout.

Joe Flacco had interest in playing for the #Vikings prior to the trade deadline, but Minnesota did not match that interest, per @DWolfsonKSTP.

Minnesota was aware of Flacco’s interest, but instead traded for Josh Dobbs, and Flacco signed with the #Browns on November 20th. pic.twitter.com/E59PeXmQdv

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) December 29, 2023

He wanted to be here, Vikings received that message before Oct. 29 turned into Oct. 30. They weren’t interested.

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) December 28, 2023

Look, hindsight is 20/20. There wasn’t a soul in the football universe, including Joe himself, who saw these last five performances coming. Sometimes, just like what happened with Josh Dobbs for a couple weeks in Minnesota, the right guy lands in the right spot at the right time.

What’s frustrating, though, is their lack of interest in even seeing him. Not only were KOC and Kwesi not turning over every stone, like they promised, but they weren’t even paying attention to the stones hitting them right in the face.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Playoff Odds – Week 17

I mean, Flacco wouldn’t have been the most attractive option, obviously. But neither was Josh Dobbs… which is why the Cardinals gave him up for next to nothing. It’s important to remember how desperate the Minnesota Vikings were back then. So why wouldn’t you at least fly Joe in for a workout?

I mean, you’re telling me that Kevin O’Connell would have watched Flacco run around the practice fields at TCO Performance Center and effortlessly fling it, like we’ve seen him do with the Browns (below), and still decide on Josh Dobbs as the better answer? I don’t know if you can convince me of that.

Joe Flacco in his BAG pic.twitter.com/daYVbHSUPm

— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) December 29, 2023

The legend of Joe Flacco grows every snap. What a stud pic.twitter.com/fdBPgsRRlO

— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) December 29, 2023

But without seeing Flacco, that’s what happened. Less than 24 hours after Cousins’ achilles tear was made official, they gave Joe the cold shoulder and it was announced that GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had made a deal with the Arizona Cardinals, swapping some late round draft picks for the quarterback who had started all eight games for them, up to that point.

Would working out Flacco had changed Vikings’ thinking back then?

With Kyler Murray set to return from injury, Dobbs became very expendable in Phoenix and really cheap for the Vikings. Without a doubt, the deal made sense. But still, head coach Kevin O’Connell could not have been all that excited about Dobbs, while watching his tape.

In those eight games with the Cardinals, Josh threw 8 touchdowns to 5 interceptions and 1,569 yards (196.1 YPG). He also ran for 258 yards on the ground and 3 rushing touchdowns. Oh, and don’t forget about his 8 fumbles, four of which he lost.

Does that sound familiar? It should because, as you can see below, Minnesota got the exact same Josh Dobbs as what Arizona had for the first half of the season. Probably a bit worse, which is to be expected when jumping into a brand new offense mid-season. But it’s uncanny how identical Dobbs’ completion %, yards per attempt and yards per completion are at both stops this season.

There’s no reason to believe Joe Flacco wouldn’t have impressed the Vikings, just like he has the Browns, had Kwesi and O’Connell given him a shot. But they didn’t.

And if I’m the Wilfs, it’s not acceptable that the general manager and head coach of your QB desperate football team essentially hung up on their best QB option without even bringing him in for a workout.

Because of that, your NFL franchise is on the outside of the playoff bracket looking in. And if Zygi hasn’t already, he should call them up to his lavish office at TCO Performance Center and let them know how unacceptable it is. How not doing their due diligence probably cost your team a playoff spot and your pocketbook that postseason money and fan excitement.

Read all of our articles on the Minnesota Vikings

And head coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Thursday that, in week 17 on Sunday Night Football vs the Green Bay Packers, it’s Jaren Hall’s turn to take another shot at the job.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has announced that Jaren Hall will start for the #Vikings Sunday night. pic.twitter.com/YQ2zrpMxkx

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 28, 2023

Kevin O’Connell had no choice but to turn to Jaren Hall at QB

Why Hall? Ultimately, the Vikings don’t have a choice. Dobbs provided a spark but we’ve already seen his limitations throwing the football and going through reads, neither of which make a Kevin O’Connell offense look very good.

Related: Russell Wilson as Next Vikings Quarterback…?

And Mullens, on the other hand, can’t stop throwing the football to the wrong team; something frowned upon in the NFL, believe it or not.

Consider this: Mullens leads the NFL with the highest interception rate among all QBs who have attempted 25 or more passes this season, which isn’t exactly the category you want to lead the NFL in.

How bad is it? Mullens has thrown an interception on 7.3% of his pass attempts this season. Compare that to Cousins (1.6%) or Dobbs (3.3%), and it’s easy to see that the Vikings really had no choice but to try something different, yet again.

Hall’s first run as starter was short lived

If you tuned out a bit early in week 8 vs the Packers and tuned in a bit late to week 9 vs the Atlanta Falcons, it’s very possible you’ve missed Hall’s time under center for the Vikings this season. It’s easy to forget that he was actually the first Vikings backup QB tasked with replacing Kirk Cousins, following #8’s season-ending Achilles injury.

The rookie 5th rounder out of BYU QB’d the Vikings for a few drives late in that game vs Green Bay and got the start vs Atlanta. And guess what… he looked pretty damn good.

How does the Vikings coaching staff look at this drive that Jaren Hall put together against the Falcons and not see if he can do it again?? He CANNOT be worse than Mullens or Dobbs man. #Skol pic.twitter.com/H4xHvn2I9s

— PJ (@PandemicJones) December 24, 2023

But Hall’s time in the purple and gold captain’s chair didn’t last long. Just two drives into that first start vs Falcons, Hall left the game with a concussion. So, this is his first opportunity in two months back under center.

How we got [back] here

Since Jaren Hall exited that contest, Vikings fans have ridden quite the QB rollercoaster. We saw the ‘Passtronaut’ Joshua Dobbs blast off into stardom… just to fall back down to earth as quickly as he took off.

In week 12 vs the Bears, Dobbs threw 4 interceptions and the Vikings lost 12-10. After taking the bye week to evaluate the QB position, coach Kevin O’Connell wanted to give the Passtronaut a chance to learn from and overcome his mistakes.

That plan backfired in Las Vegas the week after their bye. Dobbs couldn’t move the offense, finishing with only 63 yards passing and a completion rate of just 43%.

Breaking:

Josh Dobbs has been benched for Nick Mullens pic.twitter.com/g3QG2gBFQU

— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) December 10, 2023

With the score still 0-0 in the 4th quarter, KOC went to veteran journeyman gunslinger Nick Mullens who ended up throwing for 83 yards in three drives and managed to push the Vikings into field goal range for the Greg Joseph dagger that carried them to an ugly 3-0 victory.

After playing hero in Vegas, the starting QB job was Mullens’ to lose. With the Southern Miss alum under center, Minnesota’s offense actually returned to something resembling a high-powered passing attack.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Playoff Odds – Week 17

But quickly, we realized that Nick Mullens is a Brett Favre (same college) without the talent, which became apparent when he started firing interceptions whenever he got an opportunity. Four interceptions and a loss vs the Detroit Lions in week 16, and suddenly, we are back full circle to Jaren Hall.

Great opportunity for Jaren Hall

This time around, Hall will get a chance to play with Minnesota’s top weapon, Justin Jefferson, who has already expressed confidence in the fifth-round rookie.

“I feel like Jaren is definitely a great quarterback. He has definitely some potential to spark this offense up if we put him out there to play. But we’ll have confidence in whoever.”

Justin Jefferson on Jaren Hall

Now, the only question is, can an extremely inexperienced QB like Hall look like a more polished pro than his veteran peers? There will be over 70,000 passionate football fans packed into U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday who can’t wait to find out.

But no matter if he sinks or swims, KOC made the only correct choice this weekend at starting quarterback.

Related: Russell Wilson as Next Vikings Quarterback…?

Jaren Hall named Minnesota Vikings QB2; Josh Dobbs inactive

That means he will be inactive, only able to activate, should starter Nick Mullens and 5th round rookie backup Jaren Hall are forced out of the game.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell announces that Jaren Hall will back up Nick Mullens Saturday and Joshua Dobbs will serve as the emergency 3rd QB.

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 14, 2023

I’m sure Kurt Warner is pulling out his hair on Twitter right now, after spending hours Wednesday making a video that was supposed to prove why Josh Dobbs should still be the Viking starter. But this isn’t KOC vindictively punishing the Passtronaut.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Playoff Odds – Week 15

Why is this happening?

Remember, Dobbs just joined the Vikings a couple of months ago. He was still working with a limited playbook, while he was starting. Now that the offense has officially gone back to Mullens, they must feel it isn’t in their best interest to set time aside planning for what a limited Josh Dobbs playbook would look like, should Mullens get hurt.

If Hall is serving as Mullens’ backup the offense can, in theory, stick with the same game plan and call sheet that they worked on with the starters all week, no matter the QB. If I had to pick a reason for why this move makes sense, that would be it.

That means Josh Dobbs, who was benched in the 4th quarter of last week’s 3-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, will find himself on the sidelines wearing a headset instead of on the field wearing a helmet.

Related: Should Vikings Attempt to Steal Joe Flacco from Browns?

And there’s one former quarterback who isn’t happy about that, NFL Hall of Famer, Kurt Warner. On top of his work as a high school football coach, NFL studio analyst and color commentator, Warner has his own YouTube channel, which he uses to break down film of NFL quarterbacks and teach QB skills to youngsters.

Kurt Warner Defends Josh Dobbs QB Honor

This week, his main study was Josh Dobbs. Kurt wanted to deep dive the film, because he thought Josh played better vs the Raiders than he’s getting credit for. That, contrary to popular belief, Josh is a pocket quarterback who can efficiently go through his progressions and deliver on-target footballs to receivers.

During his 18-minute breakdown, which included 15-20 passing plays from Sunday’s game, Warner grows continually frustrated with the route combinations O’Connell is deploying, along with drops and bad routes from Vikings wide receivers (if you don’t want to turn sound on, turn on closed captions in clips below).

For each play, Kurt points out where Dobbs’ reads start and he takes viewers through each progression, marking receivers who are open and receivers who aren’t. His conclusion: There’s really nothing Josh could have done better on Sunday afternoon.

That receivers weren’t open, in large part due to poor route planning by KOC, and when they were, he was under pressure. Essentially, it wouldn’t have mattered who was quarterbacking the Vikings last weekend. They all would have struggled like Josh Dobbs did.

Related: Kirk Cousins on the ManningCast was Peak Television Entertainment

Excuses, excuses, excuses…

I watched the entire video. Obviously, Kurt Warner is an HOF QB and knows a lot more than I do about the QB position. But watch some of these yourself. There are numerous instances where Kurt notes that receivers are open here or open there.

But each time he points out an open guy, Kurt has a reason for why Dobbs didn’t make the throw or complete the pass. His go-to excuse is how many progressions Josh has to go through to find open receivers.

This seems like a classic example of self-created bias. Kurt watched the game live and didn’t like the hate he was seeing on social media. His feelings got involved and now he’s watching Josh play with rosy sunglasses on. There’s always an excuse for why a play or game didn’t work out.

Conclusion: Playing QB in the NFL is hard (shocker)

Playing quarterback in the NFL is really really hard. Josh Dobbs is a professional NFL QB, making him one of the best 50 quarterbacks in the world. It doesn’t surprise me that he can get to his 3rd, 4th or 5th read.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Playoff Odds – Week 15

What makes the difference between Josh and a good QB at this level? If a good quarterback has to go to his 3rd, 4th or 5th reads to find an open receiver, they hit that 3rd, 4th or 5th option for a positive play. Dobbs got four starts for the Vikings and did not prove capable of doing that.

Can Nick Mullens be that guy? Who knows… but we might as well find out, since we know Josh Dobbs can’t. Here’s Kurt’s full video breakdown of Dobbs performance in Las Vegas.

As for the Vikings' starting QB in Cincinnati, O'Connell said the team is working through the decision and will make an announcements in the coming days.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 11, 2023

The delay seems procedural, in nature. When pressed for more information on what the plan is at QB, O’Connell told reporters that he hadn’t had an opportunity to sit down with players or coaches to communicate with them, before announcing anything to the public.

Related: Kirk Cousins Spent All His Kohl’s Cash on Tonight’s ManningCast Appearance

Justin Jefferson has a “good chance” to play vs Bengals

Justin Jefferson wound up in the hospital after he was left out to dry by his QB, Josh Dobbs, on Sunday. The visit was for precautionary purposes only and he was on the team plane back to the Twin Cities last night.

Still, it’s surprising to hear how optimistic Kevin O’Connell is that he could play this weekend, even telling media members gathered over their internet presser that JJ has a “good chance” at playing in week 15 vs the Cincinnati Bengals.

Kevin O'Connell said that Vikings WR Justin Jefferson (chest) is day-to-day and has a "good chance" to play Saturday in Cincinnati.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 11, 2023

The Vikings have benched QB Josh Dobbs

Nick Mullens is now in the game pic.twitter.com/IvfpsRKBRK

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 10, 2023

Josh Dobbs benched, Nick Mullens in as Minnesota Vikings starter

Surprise! Two drives later, Mullens led the Vikings’ offense down the field and gave Greg Joseph a chance at redemption, after he missed a mid-range opportunity earlier in the contest. Joseph drilled the 37-yard attempt and Minnesota will fly out of Vegas with the first 3-0 NFL victory since 2007.

Related: Raiders Brought in Three Former NFL Head Coaches to Prepare for Vikings

Dobbs forced KOC’s hand. Not only did he total only 63 yards through the air on 10 of 23 passing but his high throw over the middle to Justin Jefferson put Minnesota’s superstar in the hospital. The Vikings offense had absolutely no rhythm in a game where three points would have meant a 4th quarter lead.

Immediate difference in Vikings offense with Mullens under center

Mullens QB’d the Vikings for three 4th quarter drives and cumulated 10 less passing attempts on the night. Still, he finished the game with 20 more passing yards than Dobbs, going 9 of 13 for 83 yards.

Jordan Addison! HUGE 1st down for the @Vikings!

📺: #MINvsLV on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/pWMED8SAQa pic.twitter.com/odK98miqoq

— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023

Some of his throws were FAR from perfect, but the offense instantly looked more comfortable when he stepped onto the field. Like they knew what they were supposed to be doing again.

Tonight’s replacement performance was the 28-year-old Mullens‘ 23rd appearance in an NFL game, during his 5-year career. He’s made 17 starts and I’d expect that number to climb to 18 next weekend.

Kevin O’Connell names Josh Dobbs as Vikings QB1

But on Wednesday, just before noon at his weekly press conference, Kevin O’Connell made it official. The Vikings are sticking with Josh Dobbs as their QB1 on Sunday.

Kevin O'Connell officially names Josh Dobbs as #Vikings starting QB in week 14. pic.twitter.com/A4I4XhX5xK

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) December 6, 2023

Dobbs ups and downs as Vikings quarterback

Since joining the Vikings, Josh Dobbs has been a wildcard on the field. He blew onto the scene with a couple of stunning performances that captured the imagination of football fans, not just locally, but across the nation.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Playoff Odds – Week 14

His first two times wearing a purple and gold uniform, Dobbs launched himself into a stratosphere of national hype rarely touched by Minnesota sports figures, thanks to a miracle relief appearance in Atlanta and paired that with another mind-blowing showing the next week in a win vs the Saints.

Josh’s overall numbers, after those first two weeks in purple, were MVP-worthy if stretched over an entire season.

After those first two games, Joshua Dobbs was the hot topic of every major sports network on TV, radio and internet. Fans started wearing “Passtronaut” costumes to games, he was being showered with weekly awards and even took Taylor Swift’s spot as the NFL’s banner photo on Twitter for a little while.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Defense Rankings 2023 – Week 14

But the last two weeks, Josh’s Cinderella carriage of NFL fame has turned into a pumpkin of uncertainty. He went from a 3/0 TD/INT ratio in weeks 9 and 10 to a 2/5 ratio in weeks 11 and 12. His passing yards and attempts are comparable. Everything else, including his rushing production, fell off a cliff.

Obviously, Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings are hoping the bye week, along with another two weeks of getting to know his teammates and the offensive system, will make Josh Dobbs the best quarterback options the team has available.