Current:Home > FinanceDobbs rallies Vikings to 31-28 victory over the Falcons 5 days after being acquired in a trade -Mastery Money Tools
Dobbs rallies Vikings to 31-28 victory over the Falcons 5 days after being acquired in a trade
View
Date:2025-04-19 23:44:24
ATLANTA (AP) — Joshua Dobbs hadn’t had time to learn his new Minnesota teammates’ names in his five days with the team, much less figure out the playbook.
That didn’t stop Dobbs from thriving in what he described as a “learn as you go, hair on fire, hold onto your seat” challenging game.
Dobbs threw two touchdown passes, including a go-ahead 6-yarder to Brandon Powell with 22 seconds remaining, and also ran for a score five days after being acquired in a trade to help rally the Vikings past the Atlanta Falcons 31-28 on Sunday for their fourth straight win.
Minnesota (5-4) overcame the loss of rookie quarterback Jaren Hall to a concussion in the first quarter. Hall had taken all the first-team practice snaps this week as the Vikings adjusted to the loss of veteran Kirk Cousins for the season with a torn Achilles tendon.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell was hoarse after talking Dobbs through every snap, giving instructions through the quarterback’s headset.
The challenge was made more difficult for the Vikings, already playing without top wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who has a hamstring injury, losing receiver K.J. Osborn to a concussion and running back Cam Akers to an injury during the game.
“I don’t know if I’ve been a part of one like that,” O’Connell said, adding all players received a game ball after the game he described as “an ultimate team win.”
Dobbs led the go-ahead drive after Tyler Allgeier’s 5-yard scoring run gave Atlanta the lead with 2:08 remaining. Dobbs had a 22-yard run on a fourth down play to keep the drive alive.
Dobbs was acquired from the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday. The 28-year-old Dobbs started all eight games for the Cardinals. He had his first practice with the Vikings on Wednesday, leaving little preparation time.
“What he was able to do in really five days’ time was as impressive as I’ve seen a quarterback be able to do,” O’Connell said.
Dobbs’ first series of plays began at the Minnesota 7 and ended with a third down sack by Calais Campbell in the end zone for a safety early in the second quarter. The sack gave Atlanta a 5-3 lead.
Dobbs overcame the ugly first series and made his case to keep the starting job. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns and had seven carries for 66 yards and another score.
“People don’t really care about your circumstance,” Dobbs said. “They just want to see you succeed given the circumstance you’re given.”
The Falcons (4-5) had their own quarterback drama this week.
Taylor Heinicke was selected as Atlanta’s starter on Wednesday. Heinicke took over in the second half of last week’s 28-23 loss at Tennessee after Desmond Ridder was sacked five times and lost a fumble — his 10th turnover in the past five games.
More changes could be coming.
“Every week, we are looking to improve,” coach Arthur Smith said. “We lose games this close, we have to change something to get over the hump.”
The Falcons (4-5) took pressure off Heinicke when the game was on the line, running the ball on the final 12 plays of their 13-play, go-ahead touchdown drive. That included five consecutive runs by Allgeier.
Heinicke threw a 60-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jonnu Smith to give the Falcons a 21-13 lead in the third quarter. Dobbs’ 18-yard scoring run and 2-point pass to Trishton Jackson tied the game.
Heinicke completed 21 of 38 passes for 268 yards with one touchdown and one interception and then threw a compliment to Dobbs.
“The fact that he got traded this week and comes in and plays like that? He’s a good player, man,” Heinicke said. “Playing on a short week, learning a new playbook and scoring 31 points, kudos to him.”
HONORING COUSINS
Hall and other Minnesota players showed their support for Cousins by wearing T-shirts in pregame warmups that included a graphic image of the quarterback.
INJURIES
Osborn was carted off the field with a concussion following a hit from Dee Alford, who was penalized for a personal foul, late in the first half. Osborn rose to his feet before sitting on the cart for the ride off the field. Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw was inactive after being downgraded to questionable on Saturday with a groin injury. David Quessenberry was the fill-in starter.
Falcons CB Dee Alford left the game with an ankle injury. S Richie Grant was cleared after being evaluated for a concussion in the fourth quarter.
UP NEXT
The Vikings continue their tour through the NFC South when they host the New Orleans Saints next Sunday.
The Falcons visit Arizona on Sunday.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
veryGood! (561)
Related
- Tropical rains flood homes in an inland Georgia neighborhood for the second time since 2016
- Ho, ho, hello! How to change your smart doorbell to a festive tune this holiday season
- 5 kids home alone die in fire as father is out Christmas shopping, police say
- Convicted sex offender escaped prison after his mom gave him disguise, Texas officials say
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas' tops Billboard's Hot 100 for fifth year in a row
- Germany protests to Iran after a court ruling implicates Tehran in a plot to attack a synagogue
- 13 tons of TGI Friday's brand chicken bites recalled because they may contain plastic
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Powerball winning numbers for Monday: Jackpot rises to $572 million after no winners
Ranking
- Michigan lawmaker who was arrested in June loses reelection bid in Republican primary
- Why a clip of a cat named Taters, beamed from space, is being called a milestone for NASA
- New York City faulted for delays in getting emergency food aid to struggling families
- Animal cruelty charges spur calls for official’s resignation in Pennsylvania county
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Anthony Edwards is a 'work in progress,' coach says. What we know about text fiasco
- Results in Iraqi provincial elections show low turnout and benefit established parties
- Judge temporarily halts removal of Confederate Monument at Arlington National Cemetery
Recommendation
'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
Colorado Supreme Court bans Trump from the state’s ballot under Constitution’s insurrection clause
Powerball winning numbers for Monday: Jackpot rises to $572 million after no winners
UN Security Council in intense negotiations on Gaza humanitarian resolution, trying to avoid US veto
North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong media mogul and free speech advocate who challenged China, goes on trial
Publishers association struggled to find willing recipient of Freedom to Publish Award
How Ariana Madix Influenced Raquel Leviss' Decision to Leave Vanderpump Rules