Minnesota Vikings’ QB Josh Dobbs crashes back to Earth following ugly performance against the Chicago Bears

Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback Josh Dobbs, whose improbable rise was one of the NFL’s best feel-good stories of the 2023 season, has crashed back to Earth.

Minnesota Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell wouldn’t rule out benching the quarterback after he threw a career-high four interceptions during an ugly performance in the Vikings’ 12-10 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday night.

“We’re gonna take a look,” O’Connell told reporters after the game when asked if he’ll consider a QB change. “We got healthy, we have Jaren (Hall) back available to us, and Nick Mullens is available as well.”

The Vikings (6-6) lost their second consecutive game as they attempt to earn a wild-card playoff berth. O’Connell said he appreciated what Dobbs had done as an emergency starter, but the upcoming bye week presents an opportunity to make a change at quarterback.

“We’re gonna evaluate what we’ve been able to do,” O’Connell told reporters. “We’ll take a look at everything. We’ve got a lot of work to do during the bye.”

O’Connell will “take a look” after Dobbs threw interceptions on consecutive possessions for Vikings in the first half.

ANOTHER takeaway for the defense

: #CHIvsMIN on ESPN pic.twitter.com/QLoBDBSr4O

— Chicago Bears November 28, 2023

O’Connell said he considered pulling Dobbs during the loss and turning to Mullens.

The Vikings acquired the 28-year-old Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals after starter Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon.

Dobbs came off the bench for injured Hall and rallied the Vikings to a comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9 and then led the team to a win over the New Orleans Saints the following week. Dobbs has regressed with six turnovers (five interceptions, one lost fumble) in his past two games.