Current:Home > StocksDobbs rallies Vikings to 31-28 victory over the Falcons 5 days after being acquired in a trade -Blueprint Money Mastery
Dobbs rallies Vikings to 31-28 victory over the Falcons 5 days after being acquired in a trade
View
Date:2025-04-17 04:26:53
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! (5796)
Related
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- A pickup truck crash may be more dangerous for backseat riders, new tests show
- Virginia Democrats sweep legislative elections, delivering a blow Gov. Glenn Youngkin's plan for a GOP trifecta
- Mount St. Helens records more than 400 earthquakes since mid-July, but no signs of imminent eruption
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- An Iconic Real Housewives Star Is Revealed on The Masked Singer
- Los Angeles coroner’s investigator accused of stealing a crucifix from around the neck of a dead man
- Pregnant Ashley Benson and Brandon Davis Are Married
- Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
- Lori Harvey, Damson Idris reportedly split: 'We part ways remaining friends'
Ranking
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Witnesses: small plane that crashed last month in Arizona, killing all 3 aboard, may have stalled
- Get In Bestie and Watch the First Mean Girls Musical Movie Trailer
- Maren Morris Clarifies Her Plans in Country Music After Announcing She’ll Step Back
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Lower-income workers face a big challenge for retirement. What's keeping them from saving
- Met Gala announces 2024 theme and no, it's not Disney-related: Everything we know
- NBA mock draft 2.0: G League Ignite sensation Ron Holland projected No. 1 pick for 2024
Recommendation
Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
Turkish high court upholds disputed disinformation law. The opposition wanted it annuled
Ohio legalizes marijuana, joining nearly half the US: See the states where weed is legal
Maryland officials approve settlement to reform autopsy process after teen’s 2018 in-custody death
The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
National Zoo’s giant pandas fly home amid uncertainty about future panda exchanges
Several GOP presidential candidates vow to punish colleges, students protesting against Israel or for Hamas
Arizona woman dies after elk attack
Like
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Cate Blanchett, more stars join Prince William on the green carpet for Earthshot Prize awards in Singapore
- Animal rescue agency asks public for leads on puppy left behind at Indianapolis International Airport