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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Christian D'Andrea

Josh Dobbs shockingly won his first Vikings game less than a week after joining the team

Josh Dobbs Vikings Joshua Dobbs Falcons Minnesota (Organization) Fox NFL

Josh Dobbs had fewer than five days to learn the Minnesota Vikings’ playbook. His second dropback with the team ended in a safety. His fourth ended in a fumble.

Despite all this, he found a way to rally his new team to a 31-28 victory and keep Minnesota fighting in the race for an NFC playoff spot.

Dobbs led one of the most impressive comeback efforts you’ll see in 2023, shaking off an ignominious start and a fourth quarter deficit to crush the Falcons on the road. It was a victory that came without starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, backup Jaren Hall, top wideout Justin Jefferson and, as the game progressed, important skill players KJ Osborn and Cam Akers due to injury.

That’s the touchdown pass that iced the game. Here’s the heads-up scramble — the opposite of the early pressure-related struggles that nearly sunk his debut — that made that all possible.

Dobbs started his day scoring points for the Falcons (one safety, one field goal post-fumble) and finished having a hand in all three of Minnesota’s touchdowns (one rushing, two passing). It was a stunning turnaround that showcased just how valuable he can be — even if his ceiling is as a pretty-good backup.

Needless to say, fans were stunned … and had a few jokes for the occasion as well.

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