The Dallas Cowboys will not be facing Malik Willis on Thursday night, as Josh Dobbs will make the start instead.
Josh Dobbs was claimed off the Detroit Lions practice squad a mere eight days ago, and now he will start an all-important game for the Tennessee Titans. Dobbs, who played college football at the University of Tennessee, will surely have an entire state rooting for him to succeed.
However, Dobbs has shown little to suggest he deserves a starting job in the NFL. He was originally a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and put up some pedestrian preseason numbers. In what will finally be his first career start, the Titans must hope that a familiar setting Dobbs propel him forward.
Why are the Titans starting Josh Dobbs?
Ryan Tannehill is injured and likely out the rest of the regular season. Malik Willis, who has started three games as a rookie, has looked relatively poor in those appearances. Without Derrick Henry — who is doubtful heading into the contest — Tennessee needs a prayer. Perhaps Dobbs can answer the call.
“He’s a very bright young man and he’s working really hard to pick everything up,” offensive coordinator Todd Downing said upon signing Dobbs. “There’s some familiarity and carryover in the terminology from where he was in Cleveland. I was with [Browns] coach [Kevin] Stefanski in Minnesota so I can try to give some ‘Spanish to English’ to him a little bit. I think as long as we can identify what he’s comfortable with, that’ll determine the volume.”
Cowboys catch another break against Titans
Dallas was already favored heading into Thursday night’s contest. On a short week, Dobbs must prepare to start on the fly against a pass rush that includes Micah Parsons. Good luck with that.
Still, there is some mystery with Dobbs, who Dallas has very little tape to digest on. Perhaps that unfamiliarity will help Tennessee on the first few drives of the game, but eventually Dobbs and the Titans will have to sustain an offensive attack without their best player in King Henry.