Justin Jefferson, a star wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, is back in action this week. However, there have been significant changes to the situation around the three-time Pro Bowler since his last suit up, especially with regard to who is under center.
It was Kirk Cousins then. Josh Dobbs, who is unlike any QB Jefferson has been paired with since Joe Burrow during their time together in college at LSU, will be the opponent in Week 14.
Dobbs is mobile
According to Fox Sports’ Carmen Vitali on December 7, Jefferson stated, “It’s an extra thing the defense has to be aware of.” In addition to our receivers, tight ends, and backs, you also need to be concerned about a quarterback who can run and move about. There are many weaponry in use on the field.
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Combination of Josh Dobbs and Justin Jefferson Could Mean “Boom” for Run Game
Regarding total yards allowed, the Raiders are ranked 20th. However, they rank 12th against the pass, which might make the Vikings’ run game even more important. This season, Las Vegas ranks 25th against the run. The Vikings, who rank 28th in team running yards, are not certain to be able to capitalize on this difference.
Minnesota is tied for third in the league with five team rushes for 100 yards this season. But Jefferson and Dobbs together might make a difference.
On December 7, Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports stated, “With Jefferson back and Dobbs able to be used on designed runs as well, this Vikings’ run game could be about to hit a boom period behind their tight end- and fullback-laden attack.”
Deuce gets loose!!@AlexMattison22
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/lbgpeAsqV3
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 5, 2023
For two of their 100-yard games, Jefferson was in the game. For the others, Dobbs served as the center.
Tice also mentioned that the bottom-half run defenses of the Vikings’ remaining opponents, the Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions (twice), and Green Bay Packers, are all fielded by teams with lower success rates. Regarding rushing attempts this season, the Vikings are ranked 29th. However, according to Team Rankings, they rank 11th in attempts per game over the last three weeks.
When they play the Raiders in Week 14, it will be up to offensive coordinator Wes Phillips and head coach Kevin O’Connell to stick with the run game strategy and for running backs Ty Chandler and Alexander Mattison to carry it out.
“Play the Best Football I Can” is what Josh Dobbs aspires to.
Dobbs, who is 2-2 in his four Vikings starts, has averaged 35.5 yards per carry while running for 142 yards. According to Stathead, Daunte Culpepper was the only other Vikings quarterback to average that many yards on the run in at least as many starts in 2001 and 2002.
After recording four interceptions in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, things appeared to be going poorly for Dobbs.
It's all about taking advantage of the next opportunity. pic.twitter.com/qcqjt47bMM
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 6, 2023
But even though Dobbs is just getting started in Week 14, he is getting to know Jefferson.
I’ve been messaging him with ideas. We all fought so hard to get to this point where we control our own fate, so I want to play the greatest football I can,” Dobbs stated through the team. “There has been two-way communication, which has been beneficial because successful Sunday business requires this kind of communication.”
