Fans of Tennessee football and the Titans have two reasons to watch Thursday night’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Former Vol Josh Dobbs will be starting at quarterback.
Dobbs has been in the pros for six years but has never started a game. He spent most of his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and most of this year as the Cleveland Browns’ backup until DeShaun Watson returned.
Then the Browns released Dobbs, and he signed with the Detroit Lions. They then released him, and with Ryan Tannehill hurt, the Titans picked him up.
This isn’t just a throwaway start by the Titans for the former Tennessee football quarterback. It may seem like that because of the circumstances surrounding the move.
Remember, the season effectively comes down to the Titans’ matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars next week, regardless of what happens Thursday against the Cowboys. As a result, Mike Vrabel could be seen as resting his starters in this one.
However, the wildcard technically is in play, even with a loss to Jacksonville, should they beat Dallas. As a result, this game still matters, especially with Tua Tagovailoa banged up.
Combine that with the fact that Malik Willis hasn’t been effective, and this is a legitimate change to see what Dobbs can do as the full-time starter. Now, if Ryan Tannehill is healthy by Week 18, all of this goes out the window, but there’s no guarantee he will be.
The legend of Dobbs was born in college when he entered the starting lineup midseason for Tennessee football in 2014. He then had an incredible two and a half year run. Could it happen again in the pros?
In 2018, Dobbs played five games with the Steelers. He played one in 2020, which is the last official game he played.. Over those six games, he has completed 10 of 17 passes for 45 yards, no touchdowns and one interception, and he has six carries for 31 yards.
Until Hendon Hooker, Dobbs was the most productive quarterback statistically for Tennessee football since Peyton Manning. His 2016 season saw him put up gigantic offensive numbers. Now, after waiting for six years, he finally has his chance at the pros.
