The Detroit Lions have stumbled through the NFL wilderness for decades, yearning for a franchise quarterback to lead them to the promised land. Amidst the despair, a glimmer of hope has emerged in the unlikely form of Josh Dobbs. The journeyman quarterback, signed to Detroit's practice squad in November 2023, has unexpectedly thrust himself into the conversation for the Lions' long-term solution under center.
Dobbs' rise is a tale of perseverance and seizing opportunity. Drafted in the fourth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, he spent four seasons primarily serving as a backup, showcasing flashes of potential but never truly solidifying a starting role. After stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns, he found himself on the Lions' practice squad, seemingly another stop in his nomadic NFL career.
However, fate intervened when the Chicago Bears poached third-string quarterback Tim Boyle from Detroit, leaving the Lions with just one signal-caller. This unexpected opening presented Dobbs with a chance to prove himself, and he did not disappoint.
In his limited practice opportunities, Dobbs impressed the coaching staff with his grasp of the offensive system, leadership qualities, and athleticism. He displayed a strong arm, good decision-making, and the ability to extend plays with his mobility.
While Dobbs has yet to take a regular-season snap for the Lions, his impact on the team has already been significant. He has injected a much-needed spark into the quarterback room, pushing incumbent starter Jared Goff to perform at a higher level.
Goff, who has faced criticism for inconsistent play throughout his career, has shown improvement in recent weeks, demonstrating better decision-making and a renewed confidence. This improvement can be partly attributed to the presence of Dobbs, who has created a competitive environment that has forced Goff to elevate his game.
Despite Goff's recent success, questions remain about his long-term viability as the Lions' franchise quarterback. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2024, and his hefty contract makes him a potential trade candidate.
This situation leaves the door wide open for Dobbs, whose impressive practice performances have generated excitement among fans and media. He is viewed as a potential long-term solution under center, offering a blend of youth, athleticism, and a high football IQ.
While it's still early to proclaim Dobbs as the Lions' savior, his rapid rise has undoubtedly altered the team's quarterback landscape. He has proven to be more than just a practice squad player, showcasing the potential to be a true difference-maker at the NFL level.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for both Dobbs and the Lions. As the 2023 season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Dobbs continues to develop and whether he can further solidify his case as the Lions' quarterback of the future.
