Kevin O'Connell says Josh Dobbs understands team's decision to start Nick Mullens

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has been searching for a backup since Kirk Cousins went down with a torn Achilles. For a while, at least, that turned out to be Josh Dobbs.

However, as O’Connell now turns to Nick Mullens at quarterback, he explained that Dobbs understands the team’s decision to change the starter.

“Josh, for the better part of four games and three quarters there, led us to three wins and there’s a lot of teams in this league that when they do lose their starter, it takes a lot to overcome that and continue pressing onward,” Kevin O’Connell said. “The team we’re playing this week, they’re experiencing it right now and Jake Browning’s doing a lot of good things to lead them to some wins at the right time of the year. So, I think Josh understands the process and where we’ve been at.”

This season, Josh Dobbs has played in 13 games for both the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings. During his five games with the Vikings, he’s completed 62.9 percent of passes for 895 yards and five touchdowns. He’s also 163 and three touchdowns.

However, Dobbs threw four interceptions against the Chicago Bears before again struggling against the Las Vegas Raiders. That led Kevin O’Connell to make a change at quarterback.

“I think he has respect for the opportunity he had and some of the really good things he did, but I think in communicating with him and making sure he knows exactly what the thought process is, the idea was to make sure there’s full transparency with these guys,” O’Connell said.

“I do believe Nick Mullens gives us the best chance to win the football game this Saturday, and that’s the decision we’ve made.”

Cam Heyward heaps praise on former Steelers teammate Josh Dobbs

Throughout this season, there have been many people praising Josh Dobbs. That includes his former teammate, Cam Heyward.

“Josh Dobbs is killing it,” Heyward said. “He was responsible for like five touchdowns this past week. And as good as a player he is on the field, he’s a better player off of it. He needs opportunity. And when guys are ready for those opportunities … I saw the way Josh would prepare, going to meetings, how he would talk [and] be open and just really take advantage of just scout team reps.”