If Josh Dobbs became a closet magician with the magic he’d been pulling with the Minnesota Vikings, the Chicago Bears made sure his next act wouldn’t disappear into thin air.
Chicago’s defense made sure his magic instead fell into their hands.
Dobbs entered U.S. Bank Stadium with five total interceptions. The Bears, however, nearly matched his interception totals — snatching four total in the 12-10 Monday Night Football win. And in the process, the Bears got the NFL world believing the magic has run out for Dobbs.
“We’re Seeing That Josh Dobbs Regression in Real Time,” NFL World Has Harsh Reactions for QB
Again, Dobbs had created quite the storybook novel as a journeyman quarterback on his third NFL team this season, but sparked a late playoff push for his latest team.
The Bears, though, went with a textbook approach to throw off Dobbs starting with Jaylon Johnson.
Jaylon Johnson with the textbook interception❕ pic.twitter.com/BPt9mj9ZgH
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 28, 2023
But that wasn’t all. The Bears turned to another fundamental aspect of defensive play — the tip drill. Jaquan Brisker caught the next one for Chicago.
TIP DRILL 🚨
Jaquan Brisker comes up the second interception off Josh Dobbs tonight!
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 28, 2023
And there was another tip and grab — this one completed by T.J. Edwards.
TIP DRILL ✌️
TJ Edwards makes it three interceptions against Josh Dobbs tonight❕ pic.twitter.com/tptMWnnM60
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 28, 2023
Finally, the fourth nearly went to interior defensive lineman Justin Jones before falling into the hands of cornerback Kyler Gordon.
👀
Four interceptions for the #Bears defense!pic.twitter.com/HPHRhPWSiB
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 28, 2023
Dobbs delivered his most mistake-prone outing of his truncated time with the Vikings. But the criticism was out in full force after the Minnesota loss.
“We’re seeing that Josh Dobbs regression in real time. Always happens with career backups once they get a few more starts under their belt,” posted Colts beat reporter for The Athletic James Boyd on X (formerly known as Twitter).
ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark was equally harsh of Dobbs’ performance.
“Yea, Joshua Dobbs’ carriage done changed back into a pumpkin,” Clark posted.
Meanwhile, Yahoo sports analyst Matt Harmon believes Dobbs has taken new steps backwards.
“The more Josh Dobbs has gotten to know his teammates the worse he’s played,” Harmon shared.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
Lastly, a Vikings fan believes the Dobbs magic is gone and it’s time for Minnesota to pivot elsewhere.
“Over Josh Dobbs. The magic is gone. Reason he was traded for a sixth. Good guy but we need to play Hall,” the fan said, referring to 2023 rookie Jaren Hall.
Dobbs and Kevin O’Connell React to Dismal Night
Dobbs ended his night going an unmagical 22-of-32 for 185 yards, one touchdown and the four picks.
His head coach Kevin O’Connell faced the daunting task of getting asked about Dobbs’ dismal night. Turns out per “KOC,” Dobbs still hasn’t reached a comfort level with the Vikings offense.
“As much as he’s done some really good things for us, he’s still getting comfortable in our pass game,” O’Connell told reporters after the loss.
However, O’Connell sounded like a coach who wouldn’t declare Dobbs the permanent starter from this day forward.
“We’re going to take a look and evaluate,” O’Connell said.
Once Dobbs took to the podium, he was equally honest about how the night went — stating how the Vikings didn’t execute and how it starts with him.
“It’s frustrating because, as I said last week, turnovers can really control the game,” Dobbs said. “So it starts with me in taking care of the football and my decision making. I acknowledge it and I’m frustrated with myself.”
But, he vows that he’ll be better “from every single one of them” with his turnovers and aim to use it to build new momentum.
Yet, after a four-takeaway evening, many are starting to believe the Dobbs magic has run out. And now, even his head coach blurted out a new evaluation process will take place behind center.
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