Per The Athletic’s best writer for the Vegass tilt-
Who will start at quarterback in Week 14 (and why)? — Dan B.
We should get the answer early in the week. My prediction is that Josh Dobbs will be starting against the
Las Vegas Raiders for multiple reasons.
First, another starting opportunity would give Dobbs more time to get
on time. Another week to learn the intricacies of how his drop in the pocket ties to the receivers’ routes. Another week to sync up with how receivers come out of their breaks. Another week to master the load at the line of scrimmage.
Second, the Vikings already have proof of what Dobbs can do for them, whereas backup
Nick Mullens and rookie
Jaren Hallremain question marks. Mullens recently returned from a serious lower-back injury. Hall, meanwhile, has finished one career
NFL drive. Dobbs has turned the ball over nine times in his four games as a Viking, but his overall efficiency in non-turnover drives ranks in the top half of the NFL.
Third, Minnesota values running efficiency.
Justin Jefferson’s reintegration into the offense will help the Vikings’ rushing attack. Before the receiver strained his hamstring, Minnesota ranked second in the NFL in rushing success rate. Early-down rushing prowess is one thing. But Dobbs adds to what’s possible on third down and in the red zone with designer play calls and scrambles.
Moving forward with Dobbs would essentially be a bet on variance. Dobbs’ lows over the last two weeks have been low, but the highs in the two weeks prior were wildly impressive. The odds of competing with the NFC elites are long whoever starts at quarterback. Rolling with an option that gives you the best puncher’s chance against those teams is likely the route they’ll take.
