The Titans weren’t expected to put up much of a fight in their Week 17 game against the Cowboys.
After all, Dallas is one of the best teams in the league. Even without the Pro Bowl turning off Tony Pollard, the odds seemed to stack up in his favor.
Besides, Joshua Dobbs was a center for Tennessee. He was just over a week when Dobbs was on the team.
Still, the Titans held firm. It wasn’t a perfect play by the former Volunteer star, but he was determined in his pocket and made some impressive throws. Some of them made big gains, but others could have been fruitful had his wideouts not dropped them.
MORE: Cowboys Win Titans, Close to Eagles in NFC East Race
Still, it was a far more promising display than what rookie Malik Willis has shown this season.
After the Titans lost 27-13, Dobbs said:
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler Before Thursday’s game, it was reported that Willis would likely take the reins against the Jaguars in Week 18. After going 39 for 20 with one touchdown, one interception and one lost fumble, Dobbs’ show wasn’t pretty.
“There are certainly things that I look back on in the game that I know I could have done better and could do better, especially in certain situations,” Dobbs said. “We know we have something big coming up, so let’s jump into it.”
But he also showed optimism. Titans manager Mike Vrabel has a headache before heading into the game after Tennessee’s victory over the Jaguars in Week 18.
Mike Vrabel said he would have considered going back to Malik Willis if he had a problem with Josh Dobbs. They will consider his QB position heading to the Jaguars next week. #Titans pic.twitter.com/S0OefP7x6R
— Turon Davenport (@TDavenport_NFL) December 30, 2022
“We’ll have to see where the quarterback position here is going down heading into the final week of the season,” Vrabel said.
How did Joshua Dobbs play against the Cowboys?
Dobbs’ night started erratically. Tennessee failed to put up much offense in its first two drives. But then he gave a glimpse of what he got by beating the Dallas defense early in the second quarter when Lacy his 1-inch to McMath his perfect his laser.
Joshua. Dobbs. 👀 pic.twitter.com/R94Gf5huFA
— Tennessee Vols News (@Vols_Report) December 30, 2022
The drive ended with a Dobbs fumble.
Things soon improved. Dobbs screened Hassan on the pass to find his Haskins, and Haskins fielded for the Titans to set up his goal as he continued to rumble for a 33-yard gain.
Julius Chestnut >>>>>> Hassan Haskins
— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) December 30, 2022
Dobbs added another 30+ yards on his next drive and scored for Treylon Burks. Burks tipped over the sidelines and gained more yards to set up another Randy Brockfield his goal at the end of the half.
Titans rookie Treylon Burks showed off a spectacular grab before displaying an absurd contact balance to keep the bounce and gain another 20 yards.
The first-round pick was known for his YAC ability in Arkansas. pic.twitter.com/JZ7kdTw2OE
— Seven Rounds In Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) December 30, 2022
Dobbs gave it his best on the first drive of the third quarter. He led Tennessee in his 14-play, 71-yard march and finished with his pass the NFL touchdown, the first of his career.
MORE: Why Josh Dobbs Started The Titans With ‘Thursday Night Football’
He made some impressive throws on the drive—a 21-yard bullet to Burks. He outnumbered Robert Woods for an 8-yard score.
Robert Woods scores Joshua Dobbs’ first career TD 🔥#NFL #NFLPicks #NFL Twitter #DFS #Titans #cowboy
pic.twitter.com/3Ysehqj3t2— Sports Battle (@sportsbattleapp) December 30, 2022
After that, the Titans offense was sporadic and Dobbs struggled to find time and space in his pocket. He tried to do so much in the fourth quarter that he threw an interception to effectively put the game away.
Joshua Dobbs INTERCEPTION & That Should Do It 👀 pic.twitter.com/M1O645XM8X
— NFL Daily (@SportsContent23) December 30, 2022
Read more: Why the Titans’ playoff chances only depend on the Week 18 game vs. the Jaguars
